The Certificate of Origin — Your Most Important Document
A Certificate of Origin (CoO) officially proves your goods were produced or sufficiently processed in Nigeria. Your buyer needs this document to claim the preferential (lower) tariff rate in their country. Without it, AfCFTA does not apply to your shipment, even if your product otherwise qualifies.
How to Get One
Option 1, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
Website: nepc.gov.ng
- Register your business on the NEPC portal
- Complete your exporter profile
- Apply for an AfCFTA Certificate of Origin when ready to export
- Upload: commercial invoice, packing list, evidence of local production
- NEPC reviews and issues the CoO, typically within 3–5 business days
Option 2, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)
Website: manufacturersnigeria.org, available to MAN members.
What You Need
- CAC registration certificate
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) from FIRS
- Commercial invoice for the specific shipment
- Packing list
- Evidence of local production
Cost: Typically ₦5,000–₦15,000 per shipment, depending on the issuing body and shipment value, almost always far less than the tariff savings it unlocks for your buyer.
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