The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is the government agency responsible for promoting non-oil exports in Nigeria. NEPC was established in 1976 to diversify Nigeria’s export base from crude oil to other sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Key Functions of NEPC
1. Export Promotion – Facilitates the growth of Nigerian exports through trade fairs, exhibitions, and trade missions.
2. Policy Implementation – Implements export-related policies to support businesses and improve global competitiveness.
3. Capacity Building – Provides training and technical assistance to exporters and SMEs on export procedures, packaging, and market access.
4. Market Development – Conducts market research to identify export opportunities and link Nigerian businesses to international markets.
5. Grants & Incentives – Manages programs like the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) to support exporters financially.
6. Trade Facilitation – Works with customs, logistics companies, and other stakeholders to simplify export processes.
Why register with NEPC?
To legally export goods or services from Nigeria, you must register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and obtain an exporter’s certificate. This process is conducted exclusively through the NEPC’s e-registration platform.
Steps to Register as an Exporter:
1. Prepare Required Documents:
a. Limited Liability Company:
- Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
- Certified True Copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- Current Certified True Copy of Form CAC 1.1 (Particulars of Directors).
b. Co-operative Society:
- Certificate of Registration from the relevant State Ministry or Local Government.
- Bye-laws of the society.
c. Government or Non-Governmental Organization:
- Certificate of Registration issued by the CAC.
- Constitution of the organization.
- Memorandum for Guidance of Applicant.
2. Access the NEPC E-Registration Portal:
- Visit the NEPC e-registration platform.
- Create an account by providing your name, email address, and password.
3. Complete the Online Registration Form:
- Log in to your account and select “Register New Certificate.”
- Fill in the required company details.
- Upload the necessary documents as per your business type.
4. Payment of Registration Fees:
- New Certificate Registration: ₦13,500
- Expired Certificate Renewal: ₦7,500
- Late Certificate Renewal (after three months of expiry): ₦12,500
Payments can be made via local or international credit/debit cards, internet banking, mobile money, USSD, or directly at commercial banks in Nigeria.
5. Confirm Payment:
After payment, log back into your account.
Navigate to “Registration Details,” click on the action button, and select “Download and Print Certificate” to confirm your payment.
6. Certificate Issuance:
Upon successful payment confirmation and document verification, the NEPC will issue your exporter’s certificate.
Certificates are valid for an initial period of two years (24 months) and are renewable annually thereafter.
For further assistance, you can contact the NEPC directly via their online chat support or visit the nearest NEPC export assistance office. More information is available on the NEPC e-registration page.
Please note that engaging in export activities without proper registration is illegal and can lead to severe penalties. Ensure all your business activities comply with Nigerian export regulations.