NCS strengthens partnership with IPMAN, NMDPRA to combat petroleum smuggling
Omeiza Bilal
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has restated its resolve to partner with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Dangote Refinery to tackle smuggling of petroleum products
Giving the assurance Tuesday in Abuja when the delegation of IPMAN, NMDPRA and Dangote Refinery paid a courtesy visit to its headquarters, on 3 December 2024, hosted representatives of the at its Abuja headquarters, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, 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.
Represented by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of enforcement, inspection, and investigation, Timi Bomodi. Bomodi, the CGC said that the meeting aimed to address the illegal exportation of petroleum products from Nigeria.
“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,” he added.
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.
