The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to combat petroleum smuggling through enhanced collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Dangote Refineries. This commitment was underscored during a meeting held on December 3, 2024, at the NCS headquarters in Abuja.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, described the meeting as a strategic effort to tackle the illegal exportation of petroleum products. Bomodi emphasized the significance of geospatial surveillance and ground operations, spearheaded by the NCS’ Operation Whirlwind, in monitoring and safeguarding the petroleum distribution chain.
“With eyes in the sky, we ensure integrity within the system. From the point of refinery production to designated filling stations, we can monitor and prevent diversion. A central filing system further enables us to maintain records and curtail illegal activities,” Bomodi stated.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, reiterated the importance of the initiative for national economic stability. He assured stakeholders of the Customs Service’s commitment to ensuring legitimate trade while imposing strict penalties on smugglers exploiting loopholes in the system.
“This is about ensuring that products meant for our citizens are delivered promptly. We are committed to supporting legitimate trade, but those exploiting the backdoor will face stringent measures. We are steadily closing in on this challenge,” Ejibunu said.
IPMAN President, Abubakar Shettima, raised concerns regarding the seizure of trucks and the closure of some filling stations but expressed the association’s support for the NCS’ anti-smuggling initiatives. He highlighted the need for strict prosecution of smugglers to safeguard Nigeria’s economy and enhance growth in the oil marketing sector.
“Smugglers must face prosecution to protect Nigeria’s economy and ensure growth, despite the challenges faced by oil marketers,” Shettima affirmed.
The meeting concluded with a consensus to reconvene on December 10, 2024, with the Comptroller-General of Customs and other senior officials to deliberate on sustainable solutions for addressing petroleum smuggling. The NCS and its partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting Nigeria’s resources and economic stability.