Customs Collaborates With IPMAN, NMDPRA To Fight Petrol Smuggling

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Mr. Timi Bomodi, who 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 emphasized 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, underscoring 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.”