Guide to Buy Gold from Nigeria to Dubai: Complete 2026 Guide — Prices, Documents & Process
Guide to buy gold from nigeria to dubai: Learn how to buy and export gold from Nigeria to Dubai legally and safely.
Discover gold sourcing, licensing, export procedures, customs requirements, taxes, payments, and profitable gold trading tips for the UAE market.
Gold price in Nigeria today: ₦207,517/gram (24K) — approximately $145–$148 USD at the current USD/NGN rate of ~1,418. In Dubai, the same 24K gold retails at AED 547–562/gram (~$149–$153 USD).
The price differential between Nigerian source gold and Dubai retail — typically 3–8% depending on form and purity — is the commercial engine behind one of Africa’s most active gold export routes. Here is the complete 2026 guide to buying gold from Nigeria and exporting it legally and profitably to Dubai.
Nigeria 24K gold price today: ₦207,517/gram | ~$146 USD Nigeria 24K gold per kg: ₦207,517,000 | ~$146,000 USD Dubai 24K gold price today: AED 547–562/gram | ~$149–$153 USD USD/NGN rate: ~1,418 (May 2026) USD/AED rate: 3.6725 (fixed peg) LBMA gold spot: ~$145.96/gram | ~$4,540/oz
Nigeria Gold Prices — Full Rate Table
| Weight | 24K Price (NGN) | 24K Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gram | ₦207,517 | ~$146 |
| 5 grams | ₦1,037,585 | ~$732 |
| 10 grams | ₦2,075,170 | ~$1,464 |
| 1 tola (11.6638g) | ₦2,420,000 | ~$1,707 |
| 1 troy ounce (31.1g) | ₦6,453,789 | ~$4,552 |
| 100 grams | ₦20,751,700 | ~$14,635 |
| 1 kilogram | ₦207,517,000 | ~$146,350 |
Based on LBMA spot ~$145.96/g and USD/NGN ~1,418 (May 2026). Add 2–8% dealer premium at retail.
Nigeria Gold Price by Karat
| Karat | Purity | Per Gram (NGN) | Per Gram (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K (999.9) | 99.99% | ₦207,517 | ~$146 |
| 22K (916.7) | 91.67% | ₦190,224 | ~$134 |
| 21K (875) | 87.5% | ₦181,578 | ~$128 |
| 18K (750) | 75% | ₦155,638 | ~$110 |
Nigeria to Dubai Gold Price Comparison
| Market | 24K Gold Price (USD/gram) | Premium Over LBMA Spot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria (artisanal, raw) | ~$117–$131 | −10% to −5% | Purity discount; requires refining |
| Nigeria (refined bars) | ~$145–$148 | 0–1.5% | NEPC-compliant, assay-certified |
| Dubai (retail souk) | ~$149–$154 | +2–5% | Making charges, no VAT on bullion |
| Dubai (bullion dealer) | ~$148–$151 | +1.5–3.5% | DMCC-certified bars |
| Dubai (Good Delivery bars) | ~$148–$152 | +1–4% | LBMA-compatible, 99.5%+ purity |
The commercial case in 2026: Raw artisanal Nigerian gold (Zamfara, Kaduna, Osun origin, 80–90% purity) can be sourced at 5–15% below LBMA spot, refined to Dubai Good Delivery standard (99.5%+) at one of Dubai’s 14 DMCC-accredited refineries, and sold into Dubai’s wholesale market at or above LBMA spot.
The margin — after compliance costs, refining fees, logistics, and insurance — typically runs 3–8% on properly structured transactions.
Best Dealers to Contact for Nigeria to Dubai Gold Transactions
1. Africa Gold Suppliers Ltd — Top Recommendation
Best for: Investors and traders sourcing Nigerian gold for Dubai export who need a trusted, licensed, full-service facilitator managing everything from Nigerian compliance through to Dubai customs clearance.
Africa Gold Suppliers Ltd is a fully licensed gold trading company operating across West Africa, with established supply chain relationships with NEPC-registered Nigerian gold exporters and DMCC-compliant Dubai receiving counterparties.
We handle the complete Nigeria-to-Dubai gold transaction chain — sourcing, Nigerian export documentation, NEPC/CBN compliance, international logistics, Dubai import clearance, and refinery coordination — making them the most efficient route to market for this corridor.
- Products: Certified 24K gold bars, gold dust, gold nuggets, doré bars — Nigeria-origin and across West Africa
- Current pricing (May 2026): ~$145–$148/gram for NEPC-certified refined bars; artisanal forms at purity-adjusted discount from LBMA spot
- Nigerian compliance: NEPC export registration, CBN foreign exchange clearance, Nigerian Customs export permit — all managed by Africa Gold Suppliers Ltd
- Dubai compliance: DMCC import documentation, UAE Customs declaration, Dubai Good Delivery standard certification — handled end-to-end
- Payment: Bank transfer, SWIFT wire, letter of credit for large transactions — zero advance-fee structure
- Logistics: Insured via Brinks, G4S, or TransGuard — specialist precious metals couriers operating Nigeria–Dubai routes
- Refining: Coordination with DMCC-accredited Dubai refineries for Nigerian raw gold requiring upgrade to 99.5% purity standard
2. Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) — Registered Exporters
Best for: Buyers who want to identify and verify Nigeria-registered gold exporters independently through the official government registry.
The NEPC is the primary government body registering and licensing Nigerian gold exporters. All companies legally exporting gold from Nigeria must be NEPC-registered. The NEPC registry is the starting point for verifying any Nigerian gold dealer’s export legitimacy.
- Always verify a Nigerian dealer’s NEPC registration number before engaging commercially
- NEPC-registered exporters must also comply with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) foreign exchange repatriation requirements
3. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) — Dubai’s Regulatory Hub
Best for: Buyers and investors who want to understand Dubai’s import and trading framework for Nigerian gold, and verify the credentials of Dubai-side counterparties.
The DMCC is the world’s largest free trade zone for commodities including gold, housing over 80 licensed precious metals companies and 14 accredited refineries.
All gold entering Dubai’s formal bullion market passes through DMCC-registered entities. Verifying your Dubai counterparty’s DMCC licence is as important as verifying your Nigerian supplier’s NEPC registration.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy Gold from Nigeria and Export to Dubai
Step 1 — Source from a NEPC-Licensed Nigerian Dealer
Work only with dealers registered with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. Request the NEPC registration number and verify it independently. Nigeria’s artisanal gold sector (Zamfara, Kaduna, Osun, Kebbi states) contains both licensed operators and unlicensed informal miners. Buying from unregistered sources invalidates your entire export documentation chain.
Step 2 — Commission an Independent Assay
Have the gold independently assayed at a Nigerian government-accredited laboratory before purchase. Nigerian artisanal gold typically assays at 18K gold–22K gold (75–91.67% purity). The assay report determines:
- The purity-adjusted price you pay
- Whether the gold requires refining before it meets Dubai’s 99.5% Good Delivery standard
- The refining cost you need to factor into your margin calculation
Step 3 — Compile All Nigerian Export Documents
Every legal Nigerian gold export to Dubai requires the full documentation package below. Missing a single document triggers confiscation or shipment refusal.
| Document | Purpose | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| NEPC Export Licence | Confirms exporter is registered to export gold from Nigeria | Nigerian Export Promotion Council |
| Nigerian Customs Export Permit | Official customs authorisation for export | Nigerian Customs Service |
| Certificate of Origin | Confirms gold was mined in Nigeria, not conflict-origin | NEPC / Nigerian Customs |
| Independent Assay Certificate | Certifies weight and purity of the specific consignment | Government-accredited assay lab |
| Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA) | Detailed contract: quantity, purity, price, delivery terms | Buyer and Seller |
| Commercial Invoice | Specifies gold value, weight, purity; signed by both parties | Seller / Exporter |
| Packing List | Gross/net weight, number of bars, serial numbers | Exporter |
| Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | Marks shipment; HS Code 71081210 (raw gold ingots) | Freight/Courier provider |
| CBN Foreign Exchange Declaration | Central Bank of Nigeria compliance for international payments | Central Bank of Nigeria |
| UN/Interpol Clearance | Confirms gold is not conflict-mineral-sourced | Relevant authority |
| Proof of Tax Paid | Nigerian export tax compliance | Federal Inland Revenue Service |
Step 4 — Arrange Specialist Insured Logistics
Nigerian gold shipments to Dubai are high-value, high-risk cargo. Use only specialist precious metals couriers:
Brinks Global Services — the global standard for high-value precious metals transport. Operates Lagos–Dubai routes with full-value insurance underwritten by Lloyd’s of London. GPS tracking, armed escorts, tamper-proof packaging.
G4S Secure Logistics — strong Nigeria-UAE coverage with armed vehicle transport, secure vault staging, and complete chain-of-custody documentation.
TransGuard — UAE-headquartered security logistics company with strong Dubai import coordination and DMCC-certified receiving facilities.
Air freight via Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) to Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the standard method — typically 24–48 hours transit, with commercial cargo or charter depending on volume.
Step 5 — Dubai Import Clearance and Customs Declaration
Upon arrival at Dubai:
- Declare all gold to UAE Customs immediately — failure to declare is a criminal offence
- Present the full documentation package: commercial invoice, certificate of origin, assay certificate, SPA
- Gold is subject to physical inspection and may be weighed and verified by UAE Customs officers
- No import duty applies to gold in Dubai
- 5% VAT may apply to non-investment-grade gold — investment bullion (99.5%+ purity) is typically VAT-exempt or zero-rated for export transactions
Step 6 — Refine if Required
Raw Nigerian gold (artisanal dust, nuggets, or doré) typically requires refining to meet Dubai’s 99.5% Good Delivery standard before it can be sold into Dubai’s wholesale market. Dubai has 14 DMCC-accredited refineries — your Dubai counterparty or logistics provider will coordinate this.
Refining costs: Approximately 0.5–1.5% of gold value at DMCC-accredited Dubai refineries for doré and artisanal inputs. Factor this into your margin calculation before agreeing a source price in Nigeria.
Step 7 — Payment Settlement
Final commercial invoice is issued after refining, weighing, and sealing. Payment is transferred within three working days of final assay confirmation. Use bank transfer or letter of credit — never informal payment channels.
Full Cost Breakdown: Nigeria to Dubai Gold Transaction
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold purchase (1kg, 90% purity artisanal) | ~$131,400 | 90% × $145.96/g × 1,000g |
| Nigerian NEPC/Customs export fees | ~$500–$1,500 | Export permit, tax clearance |
| Air freight Lagos → Dubai (1kg) | ~$200–$500 | Specialist secure courier |
| Insurance (1–2% of value) | ~$1,314–$2,628 | Full-value coverage |
| Customs broker fees (both ends) | ~$300–$800 | Nigeria + UAE clearance |
| Dubai refining cost (to 99.5%) | ~$660–$1,980 | 0.5–1.5% of value |
| DMCC handling fees | ~$200–$500 | Processing and certification |
| Total estimated cost | ~$134,574–$139,308 | Per kg of 90%-purity source gold |
| Dubai wholesale sale price (99.5% refined) | ~$148,000–$151,000 | At current Dubai spot + small premium |
| Estimated margin | ~$9,000–$16,000/kg | Before currency risk and overheads |
Figures are indicative. Actual margins depend on source purity, negotiated prices, and daily spot movements. Always model at current LBMA spot before committing.
Key Nigeria Gold Export Rules — What Every Buyer Must Know
NEPC registration is mandatory. Only NEPC-registered companies can legally export gold from Nigeria. Unlicensed export is a criminal offence under Nigeria’s Customs and Excise Act.
CBN foreign exchange compliance. All proceeds from Nigerian gold exports must be repatriated to Nigeria through CBN-approved channels within specified timeframes. Failure to repatriate export proceeds is a separate CBN regulatory offence.
UN/Interpol clearance is required. Nigeria’s gold exports require UN/Interpol confirmation that the gold is not conflict-mineral-sourced — a legacy of international scrutiny around West African artisanal mining. Factor 3–5 business days for this clearance into your logistics timeline.
Gold purity and Dubai standards. Dubai’s Good Delivery standard requires a minimum 99.5% purity. Nigerian artisanal gold (typically 75–92% purity) almost always requires refining at a DMCC-accredited Dubai facility before it can be sold in Dubai’s wholesale market.
Red Flags — Nigeria to Dubai Gold Scams to Avoid
The Nigeria-to-Dubai gold trade route is one of the most heavily targeted by advance-fee fraud, fake assay certificates, and phantom supply operations. These are the warning signs that the transaction is fraudulent:
| ⚠️ Red Flag | ✅ Legitimate Practice |
|---|---|
| No verifiable NEPC registration number | NEPC number confirmed independently |
| Requests advance payment of “customs fees” | Full documentation provided before any payment |
| Prices 20%+ below international spot | Pricing transparent and close to LBMA spot |
| Cannot produce independent assay certificate | Third-party lab assay certificate per consignment |
| Communicates only via WhatsApp with no physical address | Registered Nigerian company with verifiable address |
| Claims “UN-certified conflict-free” without documentation | Actual UN/Interpol clearance certificate on file |
| Pushes for Western Union, crypto, or cash payment | Bank transfer, SWIFT, or letter of credit only |
| Cannot provide Bill of Lading or Air Waybill | All shipping documents provided as standard |
FAQs: Gold from Nigeria to Dubai
How much is gold per gram in Nigeria today? ₦207,517 per gram for 24K gold (~$146 USD) as of May 7, 2026, based on LBMA spot ~$145.96/g and USD/NGN ~1,418.
How much is 1kg of gold from Nigeria? Approximately ₦207,517,000 (~$146,350 USD) for 1 kilogram of 24K gold at current market rates. Artisanal gold at 90% purity is approximately $131,400/kg before documentation and logistics costs.
Is it legal to export gold from Nigeria to Dubai? Yes — through NEPC-registered exporters with full documentation compliance. Unlicensed export is a criminal offence. Africa Gold Suppliers Ltd manages all Nigerian export compliance for international buyers.
Does Dubai charge import duty on gold from Nigeria? No import duty applies to gold imports in Dubai. A 5% VAT may apply to certain gold products, but investment-grade bullion (99.5%+ purity) is typically zero-rated. Confirm treatment with your DMCC-registered Dubai counterparty.
How long does shipping gold from Nigeria to Dubai take? Air freight from Lagos (LOS) to Dubai (DXB) typically takes 24–48 hours transit, plus 1–3 business days for UAE customs clearance. Total door-to-door: 3–5 business days if all documentation is complete.
What purity does Nigerian gold need to reach for Dubai? Dubai’s Good Delivery standard requires 99.5% minimum purity for bullion. Most Nigerian artisanal gold requires refining at a DMCC-accredited Dubai facility before it qualifies. Refining costs 0.5–1.5% of gold value.
Can Africa Gold Suppliers Ltd manage the whole process? Yes. Africa Gold Suppliers Ltd handles sourcing from NEPC-licensed Nigerian suppliers, all Nigerian export documentation (NEPC, Customs, CBN, UN/Interpol), specialist insured logistics, UAE import clearance, DMCC refinery coordination, and payment settlement — end to end.
Key Numbers: Nigeria to Dubai Gold Route — May 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Nigeria 24K gold price (NGN/gram) | ₦207,517 |
| Nigeria 24K gold price (USD/gram) | ~$146 |
| Nigeria 24K gold per kg (USD) | ~$146,350 |
| Dubai 24K gold price (AED/gram) | AED 547–562 |
| Dubai 24K gold price (USD/gram) | ~$149–$153 |
| LBMA spot reference | ~$145.96/gram / ~$4,540/oz |
| USD/NGN exchange rate | ~1,418 (May 2026) |
| USD/AED exchange rate | 3.6725 (fixed peg) |
| All-time high gold (Jan 28, 2026) | $5,589/oz / ~₦7.93M/oz |
| Estimated margin Nigeria → Dubai | ~$9,000–$16,000 per kg |
| Air freight Lagos → Dubai (1kg) | ~$200–$500 |
| Insurance (1–2%) per kg | ~$1,314–$2,628 |
| Dubai refining cost (0.5–1.5%) | ~$660–$1,980 per kg |
| Minimum Dubai purity standard | 99.5% (Good Delivery) |
| Primary Nigerian export regulator | NEPC / Nigerian Customs / CBN |
| Primary Dubai regulator | DMCC / UAE Customs |
