Regulatory Officer (NAFDAC, SON, NESREA & NAQS)

Job Summary

• The Regulatory Officer is responsible for managing all regulatory documentation and approvals required for the importation and clearance of cargo regulated by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).
• The role ensures timely processing of permits, licences, endorsements, inspections, full releases, and regulatory approvals to facilitate seamless customs clearance while ensuring full compliance with applicable Nigerian laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Documentation:

• Process and obtain all required regulatory permits and approvals.
• Prepare and submit applications for:
  • NAFDAC permits, endorsements, and Full release
  • SON Product Certificates (PC) and SONCAP documentation (Import Permits)
  • NESREA permits where applicable
  • NAQS import permits and quarantine documentation
  • Review shipping documents to ensure regulatory compliance before submission.

National Single Window (NSW) Management:

• Process Master Documents on the National Single Window platform.
• Process Consignment References for regulated shipments.
• Monitor approval status and promptly resolve system or validation issues.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies to expedite approvals for endorsement and full release.

Shipment Compliance:

• Review Proforma Invoices, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bills of Lading, and Certificates of Origin for compliance.
• Verify HS Codes and confirm regulatory requirements applicable to each commodity.
• Ensure shipments comply with import regulations before arrival.

Regulatory Liaison:

• Maintain effective relationships with:

  • NAFDAC
  • SON
  • NESREA
  • NAQS
  • Nigeria Customs Service
  • Federal Ministry of Environment (where applicable)
• Attend inspections and regulatory meetings.
• Follow up on pending approvals and resolve regulatory issues promptly.
• Strong relationship with all regulatory agencies

Operational Support:

• Advise Operations and Key Account Managers on regulatory requirements.
• Provide regulatory guidance during Form M and PAAR processing.
• Support Customs clearance teams in resolving regulatory-related delays.
• Escalate complex regulatory issues to Management promptly.

Client Management:

• Communicate regulatory requirements to clients.
• Advise clients on documents required before shipment.
• Provide regular status updates on permit processing and regulatory approvals.
• Respond promptly to client enquiries relating to regulatory compliance.

Compliance Monitoring:

• Monitor changes in import regulations and government policies.
• Maintain records of permits, approvals, and regulatory correspondence.
• Ensure compliance with company SOPs and statutory requirements.
• Recommend improvements to regulatory processes.

Reporting:

• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports on:

  • Pending approvals
  • Regulatory turnaround times
  • Outstanding documentation
  • Shipment status
  • Compliance issues
  • Regulatory performance metrics

Success Measures

• A successful Regulatory Officer consistently secures regulatory approvals before cargo arrival, minimizes clearance delays arising from regulatory agencies, ensures full compliance with statutory requirements, maintains strong relationships with government agencies, and contributes to faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage costs, and high client satisfaction.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or HND in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Transport Management, Business Administration, International Trade, Economics, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in regulatory compliance, customs clearing, freight forwarding, shipping documentation, or import/export operations.
• Proven hands-on experience processing NAFDAC, SON, NESREA, and/or NAQS permits, approvals, endorsements, inspections, and full releases.
• Strong practical knowledge of Nigerian import regulations, customs clearance procedures, and regulatory requirements for controlled and regulated commodities.
• Experience using the National Single Window (NSW) platform, including processing Master Documents and Consignment References.
• Good understanding of Form M, PAAR, SONCAP, Product Certificates (PC), import permits, and other relevant import documentation.
• Strong existing or demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with NAFDAC, SON, NESREA, NAQS, Nigeria Customs Service, and other relevant government agencies.
• Experience attending or coordinating regulatory inspections, sampling, endorsements, releases, and other agency interventions.
• Strong follow-up, negotiation, problem-solving, and escalation skills, particularly in resolving regulatory issues that may delay cargo clearance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate regulatory requirements clearly to clients, internal teams, and government agencies.

Application Closing Date
15th October, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:

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