Nigeria Customs Strengthens Partnership With IPMAN, NMDPRA To Combat Petroleum Smuggling
Nigeria Customs Strengthens Partnership With IPMAN, NMDPRA To Combat Petroleum Smuggling
By Asuquo Nuwak
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on 3 December 2024, hosted representatives of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Dangote Refineries at its Abuja Headquarters.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented at the meeting by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, stated that the meeting was aimed at addressing 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.
ACG Bomodi was quoted as saying that: “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 enable us to maintain records and curtail illegal activities”.
In his presentation, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, described the initiative as a call to duty, underlining its importance for national economic stability.
Comptroller Ejibunu is quoted as declaring that: “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 addressing this challenge”.
The President of IPMAN, Abubakar Shettima, who raised concerns about the seizure of trucks and the closure of certain filling stations, also pledged IPMAN’s support for the NCS’ anti-smuggling efforts, especially in border areas.
In his remarks, Shettima said smugglers must face prosecution to protect Nigeria’s economy and ensure growth, despite the challenges faced by oil marketers
The meeting, which included an interactive session, concluded with an agreement to reconvene on 10 December 2024, while the next session is expected to involve the Comptroller-General of Customs and other senior officials to further discuss sustainable solutions.
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