Nigeria’s Export Hurdles: Avoid These 5 Mistakes

Nigerian farmers at work in a rural field. Nigeria’s farmers produce plenty, but exporting can trip up even seasoned agribusiness owners. The key is compliance; know your paperwork, quality rules, and agency requirements.

Skipping steps might seem faster, but it often leads to costly rejections and delays. Below, we break down the most common export compliance mistakes and how to avoid them. We’ll name the agencies involved (NEPC, NAFDAC, Customs, SON, etc.) and keep it practical.

1. Skipping Essential Registrations and Licenses

One of the biggest errors is failing to register or get the right licenses before shipping. Every exporter must register with NEPC, which issues an export certificate that legally allows you to ship goods abroad. NEPC notes that “no individual or corporation can legally export items outside Nigeria without obtaining the necessary [NEPC] certificate”. Yet some agri-exporters bypass this step.

Always get your NEPC Exporter’s Certificate (via their e-registration portal) and tick off any sector-specific approvals (e.g., fishery or cocoa board licenses if relevant).

Likewise, check if your product needs other local registrations. For example, NAFDAC registration is required for food and agro-processed goods, and some chemicals or seeds need approval. Never export without completing all agency registrations; trying to sneak produce out without them is a sure route to fines or cargo detention.

2. Ignoring Quality, Health, and Safety Regulations

Poor quality control is a major reason Nigerian exports get bounced. NAFDAC and SON enforce strict standards for food safety and packaging.

A NewsDirect report found that over 76% of Nigeria’s agricultural exports to Europe were rejected because they didn’t meet required standards. Much of that is due to preventable mistakes, such as pesticide residues, contamination, or missing health tests. For instance, a Vanguard report noted that Nigerian yams were rejected abroad when tests found pesticide levels above allowed limits.

To avoid this, follow NAFDAC’s rules to the letter. Get any needed health certificates or lab analyses done before export; NAFDAC will test for contaminants and issue clearance.

Use only approved agro-chemicals: for example, NAFDAC has banned small bottles of dichlorvos (“Sniper”) and warns exporters to test residues so they “do not exceed maximum limits”.
Don’t assume “just wash it” fixes chemicals, residues soak in. Also, engage SON (Standards Organisation) to check packaging and labeling standards. In short, comply with both Nigerian and foreign health/quality regulations. Skipping tests or ignoring approved methods is a fast track to rejection.

3. Messing Up Export Documentation

Customs clearance hinges on documentation. A common blunder is incomplete or incorrect paperwork. At a minimum, you need a signed export contract, a commercial invoice, and a packing list. If you’re exporting formally, Customs requires the Nigerian Export Proceeds (NXP) Form (from your bank) to show export value and repatriated revenue. Missing the NXP or forgetting to repatriate proceeds can lead to penalties.

On top of these, make sure you include any special documents: a phytosanitary certificate (from NAQS) for all plant products, a health certificate for processed foods (from NAFDAC), or a fumigation certificate for grains if needed.
Customs also expects a Certificate of Origin (from NACCIMA) and your Bill of Lading/Airway Bill. Even Incoterms and payment terms (e.g., Letters of Credit) must be spelled out clearly in your contract. According to NEPC’s guide, missing any of these steps adds risk; they advise exporters to “avoid trading on prohibited products” and “comply with both local and foreign regulatory requirements”.

Check Nigeria’s export prohibition list to be sure your commodity isn’t restricted.

Finally, note new trade facilitation schemes: the Nigeria Customs Service launched an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program in 2025. This means compliant exporters can get faster clearance and fewer inspections. While not a “mistake” to miss it, failing to meet basic customs rules means you won’t qualify for such benefits.

4. Overlooking Packaging, Storage, and Handling

Even with good product quality, export compliance can fail at the shipping stage. Poor packaging, delays, or mishandling can ruin an export.
SON’s guidance emphasizes that transport, storage, and packaging quality are crucial. For example, they warn that “warehouse conditions” and even distance to Europe can affect produce quality on arrival. If grains or vegetables sit in damp warehouses or scorch under the sun, they may deteriorate.

Pack your goods correctly for international transit: use the right materials, label them per import-country rules (many buyers have strict labeling and environmental standards), and ensure containers are pest-free. As the NEPC executive pointed out, packaging is not just about safety but also aesthetics, “products of high quality with relevant certifications and quality packaging” sell best abroad. Don’t treat packaging as an afterthought.

Also, organize reliable logistics so shipments don’t stall at ports (e.g, secure bookingsensurere your cargo, and follow Customs’ single-window procedures). In short, maintain international best practices in post-harvest handling.

5. Cutting Corners with Contracts and Advisers

Finally, some exporters downplay the value of legal advice or clear contracts. This is a mistake. International export contracts can be complex (Incoterms, payment security, dispute resolution, etc.).

If you just “hope for the best,” you might agree to unfair terms or miss payment safeguards. Always have a formal contract, preferably vetted by a trade lawyer or experienced adviser. Also, register and protect any brands or trademarks (COPRO logos, etc.) before export, as intellectual property issues can stop you at the border.

And remember, be honest with regulatory agencies. Some exporters think they can “fix” problems later or pay bribes; this backfires.

As NAFDAC’s DG warned, some people “take shortcuts” and assume their product will be “taken care of” at export time. It won’t. Work closely with NEPC, NAFDAC, and other bodies; attend their training seminars; and avoid any schemes that promise export without following the rules. In short, play by the book from the start.

Compliance Tips Checklist

Register early: Get your NEPC exporter certificate, Customs, and CAC registrations before making any export moves.

Meet all health/quality regs: Ensure NAFDAC/NAQS/SON approvals as needed, get product registration, health/phytosanitary certificates, and third-party lab tests.

Use correct paperwork: Prepare a formal export contract, commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin, etc. Don’t forget the NXP form for repatriation of proceeds.

Follow foreign standards: Research your buyer’s country rules (pesticide MRLs, labeling laws, etc.) and comply. Avoid banned chemicals (e.g., “Sniper” dichlorvos) and test residues to meet export limits.

Pack and handle smartly: Use sturdy, approved packaging, label clearly, and use cold-chain or fumigation if needed. Store goods properly and speed up shipping to avoid spoilage.

Leverage support: Take advantage of NEPC’s training, consult a trade lawyer on contracts, and watch new programs (like the 2025 AEO customs scheme). Staying informed is easier than cleaning up a big mistake later!

By monitoring these areas and working with Nigeria’s export agencies instead of around them, agri-business entrepreneurs can avoid legal headaches and get their products to market smoothly. Compliance might feel like extra work, but it protects your bottom line; rejected shipments and fines cost far more than doing it right the first time.