How to start export business in Nigeria is a common search among aspiring entrepreneurs who want to take advantage of the booming global demand for products like sesame seeds, shea butter, ginger, hibiscus flower, palm oil, garlic, cashew nuts, charcoal, and more. With the right steps and tools, anyone can break into the export space, even with little experience. This action plan highlights the essential things to do, starting from business setup to finding international buyers.
How to start export business in Nigeria begins with these critical first steps (don’t skip!)
Step 1: Register Your Business with CAC
To legally start an export business in Nigeria, register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
- Brainstorm 3 possible export business names
- Check with CAC if any of the names are available
- Register one as a Limited Liability Company (Ltd)
- To do this effectively, visit https://pre.cac.gov.ng to register your business name, or seek professional support from Afrik Fair Business Solutions for a seamless business registration process.
Step 2: Get your TIN (Tax Identification Number)
You need a TIN for tax compliance and to operate a business bank account.
- Apply through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
- Link it with your CAC number
Step 3: Register with NEPC
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) licenses all exporters. This is a must, and for a Limited Liability Company, you are expected to submit the following:
- Certificate of Incorporation (issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission)
- Copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Copy of Form CAC 1.1 – “section C” (Particulars of Directors) or Status report. This is formerly known as Form C07 or Form CAC 7.
- Board resolution to register your company with the NEPC (Company Seal affixed)
- Visit: https://nepc.gov.ng
Step 4: Open business bank accounts
To start an export business in Nigeria, you need:
- One Naira account (for local transactions)
- One Domiciliary account (for receiving USD, GBP, EUR)
- Use trusted banks like Access, Zenith, UBA, or GTBank
Step 5: Register with SCUML
This is a financial compliance requirement for all export businesses.
- SCUML = Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering
- Visit: https://scuml.org
Step 6: Design a logo + letterhead
- Use Canva or hire a freelancer
- Letterhead must include: business name, CAC number, address, and contact information
- Create a company seal for official use
Step 7: Build your online presence
A strong online presence is essential to start an export business in Nigeria.
- Create Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X pages
- Post real product photos and customer stories
- Create a one-page website or blog on platforms like Afrik Fair
Choose 3 profitable products to start
When you ask how to start export business in Nigeria? know that you don’t try to export everything at once. Start small.
Examples of profitable products and where to source them:
- Red Palm Oil – Widely produced in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ondo, Imo, and Rivers. High demand in West Africa, India, and increasingly in health-conscious Western markets for its natural antioxidants
- Sesame Seeds – Sourced from Benue, Taraba, and Jigawa. High demand in Asia and the Middle East.
- Ginger – Available in Kaduna, Gombe, and Plateau. Very popular in Europe and Asia.
- Shea Butter – Found in Kwara, Niger, and Oyo. Sells well in EU and North America.
- Charcoal – Produced in Ondo and Oyo. Exported to Europe.
- Hibiscus Flower – Available in Kano, Bauchi, and Katsina. High demand in the USA, Germany, and Mexico.
- Snails (dried) – Sourced from Rivers, Edo, and Bayelsa. Preferred in Europe and North America.
- Garri (packaged) – Produced in Delta, Ekiti, and Imo. In demand in the diaspora.
- Palm Kernel Oil – Found in Edo, Delta, Imo, Cross River, Abia, and Akwa Ibom. Bought by India and the EU.
Know your buyers & where to find them
How to start export business in Nigeria includes understanding buyer types and their locations.
Where to find buyers:
- ITC Trade Map
- Alibaba
- Go4WorldBusiness
- ExportHub
- Afrimart
- ECPlaza
Types of buyers:
- Importers
- Food processing companies
- Retailers
- Diaspora stores
- Wholesalers
Source locally from trusted channels
How to start export business in Nigeria involves knowing how to source your products:
- Ginger – Buy in bulk from Kachia market in Kaduna.
- Sesame Seeds – Work with local farmer clusters in Taraba or Jigawa.
- Shea Butter – Partner with cooperatives in Niger and Kwara.
- Garri – Focus on hygienic, well-packaged options from Delta or Ekiti.
- Snails – Source live or dried snails from Rivers or Edo.
- Hibiscus – Dry and pack properly from Kano and Katsina.
Choose the right shipping partner
Examples:
- DHL, FedEx – Great for samples and small parcels (Air freight)
- MAERSK, Grimaldi – Best for bulk shipments (Sea freight)
- GIG Logistics – Handles local shipping to export hubs
- ABX World – NEPC-approved and export-focused
Join B2B marketplaces & communities
To start an export business in Nigeria effectively, be active on B2B platforms:
- Alibaba
- ExportHub
- Go4WorldBusiness
- ECPlaza
- Afrimart
- Tridge
Also participate in:
- Quora (answer export-related questions)
- Nairaland (join export threads)
- LinkedIn (exporter groups)
Final thoughts
Thinking on how to start export business in Nigeria, you don’t need millions to start— you need structure, knowledge, and consistency. Focus on legal setup, product sourcing, market research, and building an online presence.
Once you build trust and delivery capability, scaling becomes easier.
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