The Central Bank of Nigeria has formally engaged eight pre-shipment inspection agents and two monitoring and evaluation companies to oversee petroleum shipments. The directive, which took effect on October 2, 2026, reshuffles terminal assignments to enhance oversight, transparency, and accountability within the nation's hydrocarbon export sector.
Key details of the directive include the appointment of firms such as Dakee Engineering and Construction Ltd, Trexem Energy Services Ltd, Geoscape Ltd, and 617 Ltd to specific terminals under a circular referenced TED/FEM/FPC/PUB/001/005. Issued on October 29, 2026, and signed by Trade and Exchange Department Director Aderinola Shonekan, the circular implements provisions from the Pre-shipment Inspection of Imports Act No. 10 of 1996.
What are the specific terminal allocations for the inspection agents?
Under the updated schedule, Dakee Engineering and Construction Ltd covers LNG, Escravos (Gas), Bonny River Terminal, and EGTL. Trexem Energy Services Ltd oversees the Egina, Qua Iboe, and Tulja terminals. Geoscape Ltd manages Escravos, ERHA, Odudu, and FSO Cawthorne, while 617 Ltd handles Bonga, Brass, Usan, and Eagle.
Furthermore, Robinson International Energy Ltd is assigned to Ugo-Cha, Penington, Aje, Ima, Oyo, and Nembe. Trobell International Nigeria Ltd takes charge of Forcados, Bonny, and Okwori. Integrated Shipping Services Nigeria Ltd covers Akpo, Antan, Okoro, Anyala-Madu, and Ebok. Finally, Kephren Business Ltd oversees Ukpokiti, Utapate, Yoho, Abo, Agbami, Ajapa, Okono, Okwok, and other designated marginal streams.
How does the two-tier monitoring framework operate?
The framework introduces a dual-layer supervisory system. Q&Q; Control Services Ltd supervises 617 Ltd, Trexem Energy Services Ltd, Geoscape Ltd, and Kephren Business Ltd. Meanwhile, Arlington Securitas Nigeria Ltd monitors Dakee Engineering, Trobell International, Robinson International, and Integrated Shipping Services. Pre-shipment inspection involves examining and documenting petroleum cargoes prior to departure to verify accurate measurements and quality standards.
What is the broader economic context of these supervisory changes?
Accurate cargo verification ensures that export volumes match declared figures, safeguarding government revenue. These adjustments follow earlier policy shifts, including agent appointments in May 2024, terminal reviews in March 2025, and additions in July 2026. The Nigeria Customs Service and related regulatory bodies are expected to ensure full compliance as crude oil and gas continue to anchor the nation's foreign exchange earnings, with hydrocarbon exports driving a merchandise trade surplus that approached $16.1 billion in the first half of 2026.