According to World Exports, Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries that export soybeans globally. This statistic validates Nigeria’s Soybean exporting industry and Oma’s commodities role in it.
Soybeans are among the most valuable and versatile agricultural commodities globally. Used in food, animal feed, and industrial applications, they are in high demand across global markets, especially in Asia and Europe. For Nigeria, soybeans are a strategic crop that supports both rural livelihoods and industrial growth.
Nigeria is one of the leading soybean producers in Africa, with key cultivation areas in the states of Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, and Nasarawa. The country produces over 700,000 metric tons annually, a figure that continues to grow with the adoption of improved farming techniques and increasing investments in agribusiness.
With strong demand from countries such as China, India, Vietnam, and the Netherlands, where soybeans are used for animal feed, oil extraction, and processed foods, Nigerian exporters can tap into lucrative markets by offering quality products and building trust with buyers.
Market Research & Identifying Buyers
Before exporting soybeans, it is essential to conduct thorough market research. This not only helps in identifying where demand is strongest but also in understanding what buyers want in terms of product specifications, packaging, and shipping conditions.
Understanding Global Demand
The global soybean trade is dominated by large importers like China, the EU, and Japan. These countries require soybeans for food manufacturing and livestock feed. While the U.S., Brazil, and Argentina supply the bulk of global demand, there’s a growing interest in sourcing from African countries like Nigeria due to shorter lead times, competitive prices, and expanding bilateral trade agreements.
Finding Buyers
Exporters can find international buyers through platforms like:
- Trade fairs and agricultural expos
- Online B2B marketplaces (e.g., Alibaba, Tradekey, Global Sources)
- Trade promotion agencies like the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
- Partnerships with international brokers or freight forwarders who have buyer networks
When approaching a buyer, it’s important to provide detailed product specs (moisture content, oil content, foreign matter %), proof of previous shipments (if any), and proposed trade terms (e.g., FOB, CIF).
Pricing Trends & Contracts
Prices of soybeans fluctuate based on global commodity trends, planting seasons, and port charges. As an exporter, you need to monitor soybean prices on international commodity exchanges and negotiate forward contracts where possible to hedge against price volatility.
Also, ensure every transaction is backed by a well-drafted sales contract that includes delivery timelines, product specifications, dispute resolution clauses, and payment terms. This helps build credibility and reduces the risk of misunderstandings with international buyers.
Legal and Regulatory Basics for Soybean Exports
Soybean exports from Nigeria are governed by several laws and regulations to ensure product safety, quality, and traceability. Complying with these legal requirements not only prevents export delays but also boosts your reputation as a trustworthy exporter.
NEPC Registration
Before you can export any product from Nigeria, you must register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Registration provides you with an Exporter’s Certificate and access to NEPC support services, trade missions, and export development programs.
Form M and NXP
You will also need to process two key documents through your bank and the Nigerian Customs Service:
- Form M: This is required when importing goods but is sometimes linked to the export process when dealing with dual transactions.
- Form NXP (Nigeria Export Proceeds Form): This is mandatory for all exporters. It tracks the repatriation of export proceeds and is used to monitor the volume and value of exports. The form must be filled and approved by your bank before the goods are shipped.
Product Standards: NAFDAC and SON
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) oversees the quality of food-related exports, while the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) ensures that exported goods meet national and international standards. While soybean as a raw product may not always need NAFDAC registration, processed soybean products often do. Your soybeans may be subject to laboratory testing for pesticide residue, moisture content, and contamination before clearance.
Phytosanitary Certification
Finally, most importing countries require a Phytosanitary Certificate to show that the soybeans are free from pests and plant diseases. This certificate is issued by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) after inspection and fumigation (if needed). Without this document, your goods could be rejected at the destination port.
Sourcing High-Quality Soybeans
Before entering the export market, it’s crucial to source soybeans that meet international standards. Nigeria’s top soybean-producing states include Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, and Plateau, known for fertile soil and a favorable climate. Exporters often work directly with farmer cooperatives and aggregators to secure consistent volumes.
Establishing long-term partnerships with these suppliers not only ensures steady supply but also allows exporters to implement quality control measures at the farm level, such as training on post-harvest handling, proper drying, and sorting.
International buyers often require soybeans with low moisture content (ideally below 13%), minimal insect damage, and no foreign matter. Exporters must understand and apply grading systems to differentiate between premium and lower-quality grains, which affects pricing and buyer satisfaction.
Storage & Handling Before Export
Once soybeans are procured, proper storage is essential to maintain quality until shipment. Warehousing facilities should be dry, well-ventilated, and pest-free. It’s important to use pallets to avoid direct contact with the floor and keep sacks elevated.
To prevent spoilage, exporters should adopt a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) rotation system and regularly monitor moisture levels using calibrated meters. Proper sampling methods should also be in place to test for mold, insect presence, and overall grain health.
If exporting in large quantities, it’s advisable to work with third-party warehouse operators who offer insurance, security, and real-time inventory tracking. This ensures transparency and can boost buyer confidence, especially when buyers are located overseas.
Packaging, Labeling & Quality Assurance
Export-grade soybeans must be packaged to protect them from moisture, damage, and contamination during transit. Standard packaging includes 50kg or 100kg polypropylene (PP) woven sacks that are strong, breathable, and moisture-resistant.
Many exporters also include moisture indicator strips inside sacks to reassure buyers of the beans’ condition during shipping. Accurate labeling with details like product name, origin, net weight, batch number, and handling instructions is essential, especially when dealing with regulated markets in Europe or Asia.
Quality assurance goes beyond packaging. Exporters should partner with certified labs for pre-shipment testing, checking for aflatoxin, protein content, and moisture. Buyers often request inspection reports from agencies like SGS or Bureau Veritas before releasing final payments.
Meeting buyer specifications is non-negotiable. Some clients may even conduct their own third-party quality verification on arrival, and any deviation from agreed standards can lead to loss of future business or payment disputes.
Logistics and Freight Coordination
Transporting soybeans from the hinterlands to Nigerian ports requires careful logistics planning. Once the soybeans are bagged and ready for export, they are typically moved using tractor-trailers or flatbed trucks from storage sites in states like Benue or Kaduna to major seaports such as Apapa or Tin Can Island in Lagos.
During transport, maintaining the integrity of the product is vital. Exporters should ensure trucks are clean, dry, and tarped to prevent exposure to rain or dust. Upon arrival at the port, soybeans are either loaded into 20-foot or 40-foot containers, depending on the buyer’s preference.
Proper container loading practices reduce product loss and make customs clearance smoother. Bags should be stacked tightly to avoid shifting and damage during ocean freight. Exporters are advised to partner with experienced freight forwarders who understand agri-exports and can negotiate competitive shipping rates, secure vessel space, and provide real-time tracking.
Additionally, shipping terms such as FOB (Free on Board) or CFR (Cost and Freight) should be clearly defined in buyer agreements to allocate responsibilities appropriately.
Soybean-Specific Export Documentation
Documentation is at the heart of international trade. Exporters must prepare and submit several critical documents to satisfy customs requirements and reassure overseas buyers. These include:
- Commercial Invoice: Detailing quantity, unit price, and total value
- Packing List: Specifying how goods are packed, weight, and number of bags
- Certificate of Origin: Usually issued by the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce to confirm that the soybeans originate from Nigeria
- Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, this confirms that the soybeans are free from pests and diseases
- Bill of Lading: Issued by the shipping line, it serves as proof of shipment and ownership
- Form NXP: Submitted through the CBN’s Trade Monitoring System to document all export proceeds
Accuracy is crucial. Any inconsistency, such as a mismatched weight or description, can delay shipments or result in fines. Most exporters engage licensed clearing agents or export consultants to handle documentation from start to finish.
Customs Clearance & Shipping Procedures
Customs clearance in Nigeria can be one of the most challenging steps in the export process. It involves both physical inspection of cargo and verification of documents by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other port authorities.
A key player in this process is the clearing agent, who ensures that pre-shipment inspection, terminal handling, and duty waivers (if applicable) are handled smoothly. Soybean exports generally qualify for zero export duties, but all paperwork must be in order.
Pre-shipment inspection agencies, such as SGS or Cotecna, may be contracted to verify the shipment before loading, depending on the buyer’s requirements. Their reports are often essential for issuing Letters of Credit or finalizing payment terms.
Port congestion, particularly in Lagos, is a persistent issue that exporters must plan around. Booking shipment slots early, maintaining regular contact with port officials, and leveraging freight forwarding companies with experience in the port can help avoid costly delays.
In summary, the efficiency of customs clearance and shipping procedures directly impacts the credibility, timelines, and profit margins of exporters.
How Omas Commodities Exports Soybeans
At Omas Commodities, we have refined the soybean export process through a combination of local expertise, global standards, and a commitment to excellence. Our soybeans are sourced from a network of trusted farmers and aggregators across Nigeria’s major production hubs. We operate well-ventilated warehouses near these farming clusters to ensure safe storage and maintain the quality of soybeans prior to export.
Every batch undergoes strict quality inspection and grading, ensuring full compliance with export regulations and international phytosanitary standards. Our team handles everything, from packaging (in 50kg or 100kg PP bags) to container stuffing, documentation, and logistics coordination.
Over the years, we have successfully shipped Nigerian soybeans to buyers in Europe, North Africa, and Southeast Asia, meeting specifications for protein content, moisture levels, and cleanliness. Omas Commodities is proud to offer a track record of timely delivery, transparent communication, and high buyer satisfaction, making us a preferred partner for soybean sourcing from Nigeria.
Contact Us
Phone: +234 808 000 0224
Email: [email protected]
Head Office:
29, Ondo Road, Beside Onward House, Akure, Ondo State
International Office:
Elephant Hill Drive, Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
Warehouse 1:
135, Ojota Road, Opa Quarters, Idanre, Ondo State
Warehouse 2:
Melegun/Olowotedo Camp. Opposite New Makun City Estate, Lagos/Ibadan expressway, Ogun State.
Conclusion
Exporting soybeans from Nigeria can be a highly rewarding venture if approached with the right knowledge, tools, and partnerships. From identifying markets and sourcing quality beans to handling documentation and ensuring smooth logistics, every step matters.
Ready to get started?
Partner with Omas Commodities and gain a reliable team that understands both local terrain and global expectations. We’re here to support you at every step, ensuring your soybean exports are smooth, profitable, and sustainable.