Operation Whirlwind: Customs, NNPCL reinforce synergy against fuel smuggling

by Samson Echenim July 6, 2024

written by Samson Echenim July 6, 2024

104

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have reinforced their existing synergy against smuggling of petroleum products from Nigeria to neighbouring countries.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi yesterday met with the Group CEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari at the Customs headquarters in Abuja, where he reassured his commitment to re-invigorate the existing collaboration between the two organisations in order to effectively combat the smuggling of petroleum products out of Nigeria.

During the meeting, the duo shared sincere concerns about the monstrous problem of fuel smuggling which currently constitutes a severe national burden on the Nigerian economy.

You Might Also Like

Yuletide: Nnadi engages port users, harps on strict compliance in import declarations

September 30, 2024
Customs intercepts 4 containers of restricted drugs worth N1.18bn at Apapa port

October 16, 2024

Adeniyi said the current habitual that exists in the prices of fuel between Nigeria and the neighbouring countries creates a very huge incentive for smuggling, and that is why the Nigeria Customs Service, through ‘Operation Whirlwind’ is working with other stakeholders to intensify their efforts in ensuring that smuggling of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS) popularly known as fuel is brought to an end.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi discussing with Group CEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, during their meeting at Customs Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

He said: “The operations that we have done have thrown up a number of issues, but despite that, I am happy we have made fantastic seizures from different parts of the country, and we saw the ingenious ways in which smugglers take supplies from depot and place in their stations. The stations might look empty from the front. Still, directly behind, they have linked the hoses through some artificial holes created in their walls into waiting jerrycans and vehicles from where they take them across the borders.

“It is an act of economic sabotage, and those that we have seen, we have arrested them, confiscated the product that were seen, we sealed up the filling stations, and we have handed them over to the regulatory authorities to handle. Some filing station operators tactically devise means to smuggle fuel in a way that is not noticeable.”

Adeniyi disclosed that fighting the heinous crime is a significant operation, creating a considerable burden on NCS resources, but added that it has been a very rewarding exercise for NCS.

“We felt that we could have a very good partnership with NNPCL for us to sustain this operation over a period of time,” he added.

Expressing his excitement, the CGC said: “We are happy we had a secondment from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), but the Customs needs a situation room where we get data that speak on the issue of enhancing our capacity. Also, our personnel will be motivated and taken care of, so they won’t be in a situation of compromising.”

Also speaking during the meeting, the Coordinator of ‘Operation Whirlwind’ Comptroller of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu, stated that the operation started five weeks ago and had recorded great victories.

He said: “There is no operation that does not have challenges, and we have been able to put them aside with the help of the CGC. We have tackled fuel smuggling not only in Adamawa but across the nation. We recently showcased about 79000 litres of fuel that was about to be smuggled out of Kebbi State. This is an indication that we are desirous to do the job, but we need absolute support of the border communities and other agencies.”

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, stated that the Smuggling of PMS is a major national challenge for the country, and he requested the CGC’s help to minimise the smuggling of PMS outside Nigeria.

He revealed that the volume of fuel smuggled has reduced drastically due to the establishment and efforts of ‘Operation Whirlwind’.

He said: “We are available to provide any necessary support to combat this crime in our borders. We are happy to work with you, and we appreciate you for the enormous impact of your collaboration so far”.

Samson Echenim

I am a business journalist with nearly 2 decades of experience. I believe in the good journalism upholding the ethics of the profession. Journalism should work as a catalyst for economic development and a healthy nation. From writing news, features and business articles, and anything in-between, to crafting investigative and development reports, it is always a pleasure to engage my world in the most productive manner. Welcome to my world.

Samson Echenim

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Useful Links

Edtior's Picks

Latest Articles

Operation Whirlwind: Customs, NNPCL reinforce synergy against fuel smuggling

Tinubu gives Dangote, Elumelu, Bismarck, Rabiu, Cardoso, others 6 months to lead Nigeria out of economic quagmire

BREAKING: ex-Labour leader kidnapped

You may also like

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Useful Links

Edtior's Picks

Latest Articles