Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its partnership with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to combat petroleum smuggling.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hosted representatives of IPMAN, NMDPRA, and Dangote Refineries at the NCS Abuja headquarters on December 3, 2024.
The meeting, attended by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Timi Bomodi, aimed to address the illegal exportation of petroleum products from Nigeria.
Bomodi emphasized the critical role of collaboration between the NCS, NMDPRA, and IPMAN in curbing this menace. He highlighted the importance of geospatial surveillance and ground operations under the NCS’ Operation Whirlwind.
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 disclosed.
The President of IPMAN, Abubakar Shettima, pledged IPMAN’s support for the NCS’ anti-smuggling efforts, especially in border areas. Shettima emphasized that smugglers must face prosecution to protect Nigeria’s economy and ensure growth.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to reconvene on December 10, 2024, involving the Comptroller-General of Customs and other senior officials to further discuss sustainable solutions.
This partnership is a significant step towards combating petroleum smuggling and ensuring national economic stability.
