Nigeria Mandates Real-Time Tracking for Oil Exports in New Regulatory Push

In a significant move aimed at curbing oil theft and improving transparency in the energy sector, Nigeria has mandated real-time tracking for all crude oil exports. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) announced the new directive under the recently issued Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, which will apply to all export-bound vessels beginning this month.

The regulation requires exporters to obtain a Unique Vessel Tracking Identification Number (UVTIN) before any shipment can be loaded or approved for export. Additionally, vessels must install real-time tracking devices that allow the NUPRC to monitor the location and status of each cargo shipment until it reaches its destination. Any failure to comply will attract penalties of up to $20,000 per violation, according to officials.

This policy is part of Nigeria’s broader effort to combat oil smuggling, illegal bunkering, and underreporting of export volumes—issues that have plagued the sector for decades. The country, which relies heavily on oil revenues, has seen billions of dollars lost annually due to untracked shipments and unaccounted-for crude. Real-time tracking, regulators argue, will strengthen oversight and boost investor confidence.

Industry stakeholders have reacted with cautious optimism. While some exporters expressed concern about the cost and logistics of compliance, others welcomed the transparency it brings to the value chain. Oil and gas analysts note that similar systems have been successfully implemented in countries like Angola and Brazil, suggesting that Nigeria’s adoption of such a system is long overdue.

The NUPRC says it will provide technical support and a grace period to help companies transition smoothly. As the country seeks to rebuild trust and secure more revenue from its natural resources, this new mandate may mark a turning point in how Nigeria manages one of its most critical industries.