The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has initiated a collaboration with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN to tackle petrol smuggling out of the country.
The collaboration also involves the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Dangote Refinery, according to a statement of the Service last night.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Mr. Timi Bomodi met representatives of the groups in Abuja, on Tuesday to strategise on modalities to stop illegal petrol export.
Mr. Bomodi told the stakeholders that petrol smuggling must be stopped in the interest of the nation’s economy.
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.
According to Shettima, “Smugglers must face prosecution to protect Nigeria’s economy and ensure growth, despite the challenges faced by oil marketers.” (Vanguard)
