Petroleum Smuggling: Nigeria Customs Strengthens Partnership with IPMAN, NMDPRA

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Bomodi and Ejibunu during the meeting

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.

A statement by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada said 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 is targeted at addressing the illegal exportation of petroleum products out of the 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.

“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.

Also speaking, 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.