The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating petroleum product smuggling, ensuring greater economic stability and national security.
Speaking during an official visit to the Kwara State Customs Area Command in Ilorin, north-central Nigeria, Adeniyi emphasised the importance of strengthening enforcement measures to safeguard Nigeria’s economy and prevent illicit fuel exports.
Customs Pledges Relentless Crackdown on Smugglers at Border Areas
…As Operation Whirlwind Intercepts Over 53,000 Litres of Smuggled PMS in Kwara
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to curb the smuggling of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), recording major… pic.twitter.com/VKpSdW7Y0k
— NIGERIA CUSTOMS (@CustomsNG) February 17, 2025
According to him, the persistent challenge of petroleum product smuggling continues to pose an existential threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
The Customs Boss disclosed that since the implementation of the petroleum subsidy removal policy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, “we have observed the disturbing trend in sophisticated smuggling operations across our borders despite the expectation that the fuel prices are compared to that of Nigeria.
“For instance, the most recent data on fuel prices from global petrol price that track the retail prices of motor fuel, electricity, and natural gas in over 150 countries shows that petrol prices in Nigeria at NGN 1,184.83 (USD 0.788) Per liter as of February 10, 2025, remain significantly lower compared to our neighboring countries—Benin at 695 West African CFA franc (XOF) (equivalent to NGN 1680.20 or USD 1.095) per litre and Cameroon at 840 Central African CFA franc (XAF) (equivalent to NGN 2030.89 or USD 1.322) per litre—creating a lucrative arbitrage opportunity that criminal network exploit Despite our strategic efforts to curb the activities of criminal networks that engage in smuggling, notably the launch of operation whirlwind in collaboration with the Nigeria Midstream and downstream petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), these price differentials have incentivized more sophisticated smuggling operations.”
He stated further that the persistent challenge of fuel smuggling remains worrisome and must be tackled decisively.
The customs boss warned that unless authorities engage all segments of society in the fight against smuggling, the country may suffer severe economic losses.
“This menace constitutes a great danger to our economy, and we must deploy all necessary measures to curb it. The culprits will be brought to book by the law,” he said.
He, however, noted that significant progress has been recorded in curbing fuel smuggling through the deployment of advanced technology.
According to him, with about 17 land borders across the country, sustained efforts, technological advancements, and the involvement of critical stakeholders remain crucial to winning the fight.
Speaking during the visit, Kwara State Comptroller of Customs Faith Ojeifo emphasised that tackling petroleum smuggling must be a collective effort involving all security agencies and members of the public.
This is the first time in the last ten years that a sitting Comptroller General of Customs will be visiting the office of the Kwara State Command of Customs in Ilorin.
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