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By Ifeoma Nwajei
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has praised Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, for his decisive actions to enhance surveillance and curb the smuggling of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders. Ribadu’s commendation came during a high-level stakeholders meeting held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the NSA office in Abuja.
In his opening address, Ribadu emphasized the critical nature of addressing petroleum smuggling, a persistent issue that undermines both Nigeria’s economy and national security. He described smuggling as a “cancer” that drains essential resources required for national development and erodes government revenue. Ribadu called for a united effort among the nation’s security and regulatory bodies to combat this threat, which, if left unchecked, could destabilize the oil sector and fuel illegal activities across the country.
The NSA expressed his appreciation for the strong turnout of key stakeholders at the meeting, including representatives from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). Their presence underscored the collaborative effort needed to address the smuggling crisis.
Adeniyi, in his remarks, highlighted the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing its legal mandate, particularly in light of the recent NCS Act 2023. This legislation empowers the agency to implement stringent measures against smuggling activities.
Adeniyi acknowledged the complexity of the smuggling problem but assured that the Customs Service is resolute in tackling it, citing recent operations led by Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu aimed at dismantling smuggling networks.
“This meeting today reflects the National Security Adviser’s dedication to providing a platform for launching special operations against smuggling,” Adeniyi stated. He underscored the importance of revitalizing Nigeria’s economy and oil sector and affirmed the Customs Service’s readiness to contribute to this goal.
The CGC elaborated on the Customs Service’s use of innovative technologies to bolster border security, including real-time monitoring systems and blockchain technology for tracking and authenticating oil and gas movements.
He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability throughout the petroleum supply chain, acknowledging that while some factors driving smuggling are beyond the Customs Service’s control, the agency remains committed to combating illegal activities.
Comptroller Ejibunu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, stressed the necessity for enhanced inter-agency collaboration. He noted that effective anti-smuggling operations require the combined efforts of various government agencies, including the NCS, NMDPRA, NNPC Ltd., and security services. Ejibunu also called for increased funding and the provision of additional resources to support Operation Whirlwind’s efforts.
The stakeholders unanimously expressed their commitment to eradicating petroleum smuggling and securing Nigeria’s borders. They affirmed their support for Operation Whirlwind and distanced themselves from any involvement in smuggling activities.
In his closing remarks, Chief Superintendent Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, announced the signing of a joint communiqué. This document, signed by NSA Ribadu, Comptroller-General Adeniyi, and other key representatives from NNPC Limited, NMDPRA, and IPMAN, outlined a series of resolutions aimed at intensifying efforts to curb petroleum smuggling and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.
