Tunde Bakare
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has engaged representatives of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Dangote Refineries in Abuja to seek ways to improve on efforts to curb petrol smuggling.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, was represented at the meeting by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Timi Bomodi. Bomodi stated that the meeting 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.
“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.