How to Start Exporting Maize from Nigeria — Profitable Guide for First-Time Traders
Learn how to start exporting maize from Nigeria with this beginner-friendly guide. Includes sourcing, documentation, shipping tips, and how to find international buyers.
How to Start Exporting Maize from Nigeria — Profitable Guide for First-Time Traders
Introduction
Maize, also known as corn, is one of Nigeria’s most cultivated crops and a top agro-export product. With consistent global demand for animal feed and industrial use, exporting maize from Nigeria is a smart business opportunity. This guide provides a simple roadmap to help you start and succeed as a first-time maize exporter.
Why Export Maize from Nigeria?
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✅ Nigeria is one of the largest maize producers in Africa.
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🌍 There's high international demand from countries like India, China, UAE, and Spain.
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💸 Competitive pricing and high-profit margins for bulk exports.
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📈 Growing market for maize-based products such as starch, ethanol, and animal feed.
✅ Nigeria is one of the largest maize producers in Africa.
🌍 There's high international demand from countries like India, China, UAE, and Spain.
💸 Competitive pricing and high-profit margins for bulk exports.
📈 Growing market for maize-based products such as starch, ethanol, and animal feed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting Maize from Nigeria
1. Source from Reliable Farmers and Aggregators
Look for maize-producing states like:
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Kaduna
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Plateau
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Taraba
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Niger
Ensure maize is freshly harvested, pest-free, and not moldy. Buying in bulk from aggregators or farmer cooperatives is best for quality and cost.
2. Dry and Clean the Maize Properly
Before exporting, maize must be:
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Dried to a moisture content of less than 13%
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Cleaned using grain sorters and sieves to remove stones, husks, or insects
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Stored in cool, ventilated spaces to avoid aflatoxin growth
3. Register Your Business with NEPC
You’ll need a valid export license from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Visit www.nepc.gov.ng to register.
Required documents include:
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Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate
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Tax Identification Number (TIN)
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NEPC registration fee (~₦13,500)
4. Obtain Other Required Export Documents
For maize export, these documents are usually required:
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✅ Phytosanitary Certificate (from Quarantine Services)
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✅ Certificate of Origin
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✅ Bill of Lading
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✅ Packing List
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✅ Commercial Invoice
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✅ Fumigation Certificate
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✅ SONCAP (if applicable)
5. Agree on Shipping Terms with Buyer
Your buyer will choose a shipping term like:
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FOB (Free on Board) – you deliver to port
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CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) – you handle shipping
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EXW (Ex-Works) – buyer picks up from your location
Make sure payment terms are clear: Letter of Credit (LC) or Telegraphic Transfer (TT) is recommended.
6. Choose the Right Shipping Method
Use licensed freight forwarders to handle port documentation. Ship through ports like:
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Apapa Port (Lagos)
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Tincan Island Port (Lagos)
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Onne Port (Rivers State)
Pack maize in 50kg polypropylene bags, stacked on wooden pallets inside ventilated containers.
Extra Tips for Maize Export Success
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🌽 Test for aflatoxin levels to meet international standards
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📦 Use clean, pest-free bags with labels
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🔍 Get third-party inspection from SGS or Bureau Veritas
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🧾 Always sign written contracts and request an advance deposit
🌽 Test for aflatoxin levels to meet international standards
📦 Use clean, pest-free bags with labels
🔍 Get third-party inspection from SGS or Bureau Veritas
🧾 Always sign written contracts and request an advance deposit
Conclusion
Maize export is a profitable business if you follow the right procedures and maintain quality. Focus on building buyer trust, using certified freight handlers, and complying with all documentation. Nigeria has the maize and the market—you just need the strategy.