The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reinforced its collaboration with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to intensify efforts in combating smuggling and ensuring compliance within the petroleum sector.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi who was represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Timi Bomodi stated that the meeting, held at its Abuja headquarters aimed to address the illegal exportation of petroleum products from Nigeria.
He emphasised the critical role of collaboration between the NCS, NMDPRA, and IPMAN in curbing this menace and highlighted the importance of geospatial surveillance and ground operations under the NCS’ Operation Whirlwind.
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“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 said.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu described the initiative as a call to duty, underlining its importance for national economic stability.
“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 declared.
The President of IPMAN, Abubakar Shettima, raised concerns about the seizure of trucks and the closure of certain filling stations. Nonetheless, he pledged IPMAN’s support for the NCS’ anti-smuggling efforts, especially in border areas.
“Smugglers must face prosecution to protect Nigeria’s economy and ensure growth, despite the challenges faced by oil marketers,” Shettima remarked.
The meeting, which included an interactive session, concluded with an agreement to reconvene on 10 December 2024. The next session will involve the Comptroller-General of Customs and other senior officials to further discuss sustainable solutions.
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