The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its efforts to curb petrol smuggling with a strategic partnership involving the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Dangote Refinery.
The initiative, which aims to protect Nigeria’s economy from the adverse effects of illegal fuel exportation, was discussed during a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Mr. Timi Bomodi, represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the meeting.
Highlighting the economic threat posed by petrol smuggling, Bomodi underscored the critical need for collaboration.
He also outlined the role of the Customs’ Operation Whirlwind in deploying geospatial surveillance and ground operations to monitor the supply chain from refineries to filling stations.
“With eyes in the sky, we ensure system integrity. From production to distribution, we can track and prevent diversion, using a central filing system to maintain transparency and tackle illegal activities,” Bomodi explained.
Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, described the initiative as crucial for economic stability, stressing the importance of ensuring that products meant for Nigerians are delivered without delay.
“This is a call to duty to secure our economy. While we support legitimate trade, those exploiting the system will face stringent measures,” Ejibunu stated.
IPMAN President Abubakar Shettima expressed concerns about the seizure of trucks and the closure of some filling stations, issues he said were affecting oil marketers.
Despite these challenges, Shettima reaffirmed IPMAN’s commitment to supporting Customs’ anti-smuggling initiatives.
“Smugglers must be prosecuted to safeguard our economy and drive growth.
IPMAN is prepared to assist in border areas to ensure that only legitimate trade thrives,” Shettima said.
The meeting underscored the collective resolve of the NCS and its partners to address the challenge of petrol smuggling decisively, with all parties emphasizing the need for cooperation to ensure national economic stability.