How to Become Exporter in Nigeria.

How to become exporter in Nigeria is an eye-opener to the processes of registering one’s business legally under the government of one’s country and also an evaluation check on whether one is better placed for the exportation business either financially or mentally.

It should be noted that the export business is a very economically reliable enterprise that should be seriously given the right attention; apart from being a profitable venture for the individual, it is also capable of reviving the economic conditions of any countries who are proud of a larger number of exporters across their terraces. It also helps redefine the image of such countries in international market, thereby providing immensely abundant international opportunities as well as national ones.

On the national level, the export business opens up doors of job chances for both the unemployed graduates and the other mature citizens who have probably lost their jobs.

Is the processes of becoming an exporter difficult? It is in this article that we will see the simple steps to follow to know how to become exporter in Nigeria.

How to Become Exporter in Nigeria.

There are two government agencies vested with the power to grant export licenses in Nigeria. They are:

• The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) which is saddled with the responsibility of issuing out export license for agricultural commodities & manufactured goods.
• The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development which is responsible for granting licenses for extraction & exportation in Nigeria.

Any of these agencies can be consulted for license grants for any exportation deals you like. However, below are the steps on how to become exporter in Nigeria.

1. Registration of Company

Registering business with the right authority should be the first step.

In Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is an authorized business registration agency. This body is charged with the responsibility to regulate the formation and management of companies in Nigeria.

Depending on this business choice, you can register as a business name. Since each business structure requires different documentation to get registered, you can easily reach out to CAC to guide and help register your business. By then you will have joined the league of certified business owners and can access loans as well as other benefits tailored to entrepreneurs in the country.

2. Registering with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

Another step on how to become exporter in Nigeria is proceeding to register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) for an export license and document. This body serves as an exporters’ directory. They provide a platform for prospective buyers to source for information on reliable exporters. Also, it verifies the exporter’s certificate and represents the interest of Nigerian sellers before international buyers.

In addition, the NEPC has procedures and documentation process that enhances understanding of the export business. It provides prospective exporters with a guide arranged in 9 steps; E-registration, Export plan, Document and Procedures, Logistics and Freights, Pricing, and Finance and Legal issues, etc.

By listing your business directory on NEPC, or other export directories, you can take orders from any location. All you need is to log on to the website, download the requirements and follow the process.

3. Building Physical and Virtual Business Empire.

After procuring the licenses and permit, you are on your way to becoming a legit exporter. The permit gives you the access to ask questions and make clarifications on the business from NEPC.

Also, you will need to set up a proper structure for credibility and accessibility. Therefore, you need a professional address or a virtual office address as this will give your business a professional appeal and buyers can be confident to do business with you.

Also, having a website or a landing page for customers (importers) to locate you and make their demands is a necessity. In addition, it is important to register your company on some trade websites and create visibility for your business to attract customers.

4. Finding Individuals or Local Producers/Suppliers for your Business

As soon as you conclude on venturing into the export business, the next thing is to find the producers or suppliers of the goods you intend to export. You can also produce if you can meet the demands. But if not, try to establish a link with other producers and reach an agreement. To begin, you can visit the production site of the goods you want to export or establish a communication channel with the producers or farmers of the products you want to export.

Different cities in the states of Nigeria are known for some particular sellable products which can be sold or used for export business. Just put your head down and identify some of these internationally recognized products or resources, look for their producers or individuals that deal primarily with them in many of these rural places , then maximize them for your own profits in export business. This too is another step on how to become exporter in Nigeria.

5. Advertising, Visibility, and Online Marketing.

Except you already have a sealed deal with buyers who will buy all you want to export continuously, there is a need to invest in online advertisement and marketing. Your online advertisement should be targeted to the countries you want to export to.

Before getting to this stage, you have already decided on the product to export and the product must be in demand in the country you are exporting to. Once the home work has been done, running targeted ads becomes easy.

Also, you should not leave out social media. On social media, you can use the right keywords and run targeted ads that will get to your target audience.

In addition, you can also employ the help of different advertising companies and sites for optimal business visibility.

6. Finding Means to Export your Products

To export your goods, people majorly use freight forwarders; this means specializes in moving goods to different places in the world. You can also arrange that they do everything from arranging insurance to finding a reputable customs broker. You can use a custom broker; these set of people will clear your goods through customs. In several countries, only a local and registered official can do this.

The shipment could be done on either Free On Board (FOB) or Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) basis. FOB means the buyer covers the cost and liabilities once the goods are shipped while CIF means sellers cover the cost of everything including insurance and transporting until the buyer receives the goods.