The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) have reinforced their existing synergy against the smuggling of petroleum products from Nigeria to neighbouring countries.
This is disclosed in a statement issued by the Customs Spokesman, Mr Abdullahi Maiwada, in Lagos on Saturday.
Adeniyi was quoted to have said this when he met with the Group CEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, at the Customs headquarters in Abuja.
Adeniyi reaffirmed his commitment to revitalising the collaboration between the two organisations, to effectively combat the smuggling of petroleum products out of Nigeria.
During the meeting, both leaders expressed serious concerns about the persistent problem of fuel smuggling, which poses a significant burden on the Nigerian economy.
According to Adeniyi, the disparity in fuel prices between Nigeria and neighbouring countries created a strong incentive for smuggling.
He explained that the Nigeria Customs Service, through ‘Operation Whirlwind,’ was working with other stakeholders to intensify efforts to halt the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS), commonly known as fuel.
“The operations we have conducted have highlighted several issues, but I am pleased that we have made substantial seizures from different parts of the country.
“We have uncovered ingenious methods smugglers use to divert supplies from depots to their stations.
“These stations may appear empty from the front, but behind the scenes, they have hoses connected through artificial holes in their walls to waiting jerrycans and vehicles, which are then transported across borders.