By Miriam Humbe
The Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened its partnership with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to combat the problem of petroleum smuggling in the country.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known at an event on Tuesday, at the Custom’s Abuja headquarters.
The CG was represented at the meeting by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Timi Bomodi.
Bomodi said that the meeting aimed to address the illegal exportation of petroleum products from Nigeria.
The partnership was aimed to halt the smuggling of petroleum products which has been a significant challenge to the nation’s economy.
The Customs Service therefore, seeks to develop a sustainable strategy to combat petroleum smuggling and ensure the safe and legal distribution of petroleum products across the country.
The Customs boss emphasised the critical role of collaboration between the NCS, NMDPRA, and IPMAN in curbing the menace of smuggling.
He said the Nigeria Customs was deploying geospatial surveillance and ground operations under the NCS’ Operation Whirlwind to curb smuggling.
He said: “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”.
National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, said the initiative was a call to duty, as it was of immense importance for national economic stability.
Ejibunu said: “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”.
IPMAN President, Abubakar Shettima was concerned about the seizure of trucks and the closure of certain filling stations and pledged IPMAN’s support for the NCS’ anti-smuggling efforts, particularly in border areas.
Shettima said: “Smugglers must face prosecution to protect Nigeria’s economy and ensure growth despite the challenges faced by oil marketers”
The meeting concluded with an agreement to reconvene on December 10, 2024, with the Comptroller-General of Customs and other senior officials in attendance to further discuss sustainable solutions.
