Export Credit Insurance

1. To encourage exporters to diversify their export markets without fear of the risks inherent in dealing with new buyers
2. To attract new enterprises into export business
3. To encourage exporters to extend credit terms to their buyers in order to enhance their competitiveness in the international markets

1. Export of goods wholly or partly manufactured in Nigeria
2. Export of commodities, which are exportable under the laws of Nigeria.
3. Such export must be supported by written contracts of supply concluded on credit terms of not more than 180 days
4. Export of services.

Two types of cover are provided under the facility:

• Pre-shipment cover
• Post-shipment cover

Pre-Shipment Risks

1. Insolvency of the buyer immediately before shipment is undertaken or other events that make it inadvisable to export.
2. Cancellation of export license which was valid at the time production commenced.
3. Imposition of restriction on the export of goods not subject to license at the time production commenced.

Post-Shipment Risks — Commercial Risks

1. Insolvency of the buyer
2. Protracted default by the buyer
3. Buyer's refusal to accept the goods dispatched which conform to contract specifications

Post-Shipment Risks — Political/Economic Risks

1. A general moratorium on payment decreed by the government of the buyer's country.
2. Any other measures or decisions of the government of a foreign country, which prevent performance of the contract.
3. Political events, economic difficulties, legislative or administrative measures arising outside Nigeria that prevent or delay the transfer of payments due under the contract.
4. War, revolution and civil disturbance in the country of the buyer, which prevents or delays the transfer of payments due under the contract.
5. Default by a government buyer.
6. Any other causes of loss arising outside Nigeria, which is beyond the exporter's and buyer's control.

The proportion of cover, which shall be provided, is as follows:

• Pre-shipment Insurance: 75% of the loss or of the Gross Invoice Value (GIV), whichever is less.
• Post-shipment insurance: 85% of the loss or of the GIV, whichever is less.

• Buyer's insolvency: Immediately after insolvency is established.
• Protracted default: 6 months after the due date of payment.
• Non-Acceptance of goods: One month after the date on which the goods have been resold or otherwise disposed by the exporter.
• Transfer payment delay: 4 months after the irrevocable deposit has been made or 6 months after the due date of payment, whichever is later.
• Other causes: 6 months after the occurrence of the event.

A credit limit shall be fixed on each and every buyer of an insured exporter to whom shipments are made on credit terms, notwithstanding whether the cover is on whole turnover or on one-off basis. The limit serves as the buyer's exposure control mechanism. This credit limit is a revolving limit and once it is approved by NEXIM, it remains valid until the occurrence of any of the following events:

1. Expiry of the policy
2. NEXIM withdrawal of cover on the country of buyer.
3. NEXIM suspension of cover on the buyer.
4. NEXIM cancellation of the approved limit

NEXIM may issue whole turnover policy to cover all exports made by the insured. Although NEXIM shall have the right to refuse cover for any particular transaction, the exporter is obliged to offer all his exports for NEXIM cover. If the exporter so desires, exports conducted under confirmed irrevocable Letters of Credit and cash with order terms of payment may be covered for political risks only. However all exports made to subsidiary and associated companies shall be covered for political risks only. Each and every transaction for the time being and without prejudice to the provisions of whole turnover principle, each and every transaction, which shall be covered by the Bank, must receive NEXIM's approval before the cover can be effective.

A policy, which shall be the evidence of the contract of insurance, shall be issued to an insured exporter within 7 days of commencement of the cover and may be reviewed or renewed by endorsements. The policy shall contain terms and conditions of the insurance and shall cover all transactions undertaken by the insured for a period of 12 months. A certificate may be issued in respect of each transaction under the policy.

The policy may be terminated at any time by a written notice from NEXIM, which has immediate effect, if the insured fails to pay premiums or commits a fraudulent act under the policy.

A non-refundable policy fee is charged in respect of whole turnover policies, at the commencement of each policy year.

A certificate may be issued in respect of each transaction insured by NEXIM. The certificate shall contain among other things, the Gross Invoice Value of the shipment, the premium paid and the terms of payment of the underlying transaction.

All exports made to government agencies, government owned corporations, government departments and local authorities shall be covered for political risks only.

NEXIM reserves the rights to reject cover for exports to certain countries, which in its opinion have a high level of risk.