PETROLEUM SMUGGLING: Ribadu Gives Impetus to Customs Operations, Advocates Increased Budgetary Allocation for “Operation Whirlwind”

Nigerian National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (left) and Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi
By DAPO OLAWUNI
In a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held on September 9, 2024, at the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to tackling petroleum product smuggling, which continues to drain the nation’s economy and threaten its security. The meeting brought together key agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), and major stakeholders such as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
During the meeting, NSA Ribadu emphasized the importance of bolstering the country’s anti-smuggling operations, especially “Operation Whirlwind,” an initiative of the Nigeria Customs Service, aimed at curbing the illicit movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.
Ribadu urged for increased budgetary allocation to support the operation, citing the immense costs of sustaining such high-level enforcement efforts.
“We must adequately fund Operation Whirlwind to ensure it remains robust and effective. The cost of inaction far outweighs the investments required to secure our borders and prevent the loss of national resources,” Ribadu stressed.
Ribadu commended the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, for his commitment to tightening surveillance across Nigeria’s borders to curb petroleum product smuggling.
Ribadu praised the efforts of the Customs Service under Adeniyi’s leadership, highlighting the agency’s role in not only securing Nigeria’s borders but also safeguarding the integrity of the country’s economy.
He described petroleum smuggling as a “cancer that kills,” stating that it drains vital resources needed for national development and undermines government revenue.
Mr. Ribadu, however, stressed that the nation’s security apparatus must agree to work together to tackle the smuggling menace, which, according to him, will continue to destabilise the oil sector and foster illegal activities across the country’s borders if not properly addressed.
In his remarks, Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi emphasised the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to fulfilling its legal mandate, especially in light of the NCS Act 2023, which according to him, empowers the agency to enforce strict measures against smuggling activities across the country.
CGC Adeniyi, who acknowledged the complexity of petroleum products smuggling, reiterated the Customs Service’s resolve to address the challenge, pointing to recent operations, led by Comptroller Ejibunu, which were aimed at dismantling smuggling syndicates.
“What we are doing here today is a clear demonstration of the good intentions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, which has provided us with a platform to mount and execute special operations against smuggling,” Adeniyi said.
He added, “The repositioning of Nigeria’s economy and the oil sector is a crucial objective, and as an organisation, the Nigeria Customs Service is ready to play its role in achieving this.”
The Customs Boss explained that the Service is leveraging innovative technologies to enhance border security, stating that “One key initiative is the integration of real-time monitoring systems, similar to those used by Dubai Customs, which have successfully employed blockchain technology to track and authenticate oil and gas movements.”
He also urged stakeholders to focus on transparency and accountability throughout the petroleum supply chain. He acknowledged that smuggling is driven by factors beyond the Customs Service’s control, but pledged that the NCS would not relent in its efforts to clamp down on the illegal trade.
“We remain committed to ensuring that legitimate businesses thrive, while at the same time, we will not hesitate to suppress any form of illegitimate activities in the petroleum sector,” Adeniyi said.
On his part, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, emphasised the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, noting that anti-smuggling efforts require the combined strength of various government agencies, including the NCS, NMDPRA, NNPC Ltd., and security services.
Comptroller Ejibunu, who acknowledged the financial burden associated with conducting the operations, also called for an increase in funding and allocation of vehicles to the operatives of Operation Whirlwind.
The stakeholders, on their part, all agreed to show commitment to eliminating petroleum smuggling and securing Nigeria’s borders, stating, “We all dissociated ourselves from anything smuggling, and we’re in support of this operation, Operation Whirlwind.”
The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, while announcing the closure of the meeting, said a joint communique has been signed, as he further read some new resolutions that will set the ball rolling in terms of fighting against smuggling.
According to him, “Following extensive deliberations, a joint communique was signed by NSA Ribadu, Comptroller-General Adeniyi, and other key representatives, including officials from NNPC Limited, NMDPRA, and IPMAN. The communique outlined a series of resolutions aimed at curbing petroleum smuggling and protecting Nigeria’s economy.”
Key Outcomes and Resolutions
• Public Awareness Campaign
A major resolution of the meeting was the launch of a comprehensive public awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on the negative impact of petroleum smuggling. All participating agencies will collaborate on this initiative, using various media platforms to reach communities across the country.
• Commitment from Stakeholders
Industry stakeholders, including IPMAN, publicly disassociated themselves from any involvement in smuggling activities and committed to tighter internal controls. They also pledged full cooperation with the NCS and other security agencies in identifying and reporting smuggling activities.
• Enhanced Inter-Agency Collaboration
One of the most critical outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to strengthen collaboration between agencies involved in anti-smuggling efforts. The establishment of a central hub for communication and coordination among the NCS, NMDPRA, NNPC Ltd., and security agencies was agreed upon. This initiative aims to improve information sharing and facilitate joint operations.
• Increased Budget for Anti-Smuggling Operations
Ribadu and other stakeholders called for an increase in the budgetary allocation for “Operation Whirlwind” to ensure its continued success. They acknowledged that combating petroleum smuggling requires substantial financial resources, particularly for joint operations, logistics, and technology adoption.
• Adoption of Advanced Technology
The NNPC Ltd. and NMDPRA, in partnership with the NCS, agreed to explore advanced technologies to better monitor and control the movement of petroleum products throughout the supply chain. This move is seen as a key strategy to enhance transparency and accountability within the sector.
• Community Engagement
Recognizing the importance of local communities in border areas, the Operation Whirlwind team will work closely with community leaders to gain their support in identifying smuggling activities. Engaging local stakeholders is seen as a crucial part of sustaining anti-smuggling efforts.
• Legal Framework and Enforcement
Ribadu also highlighted the need for stronger legal backing for anti-smuggling operations. The NSA committed to working with relevant government bodies to enhance existing laws, ensuring tougher penalties for smugglers. The Nigeria Customs Service was encouraged to intensify the prosecution of offenders to serve as a deterrent.
• Sustainable Strategy
In collaboration with NMDPRA and NNPC Ltd., the NCS will develop a long-term, sustainable strategy to combat petroleum smuggling. This strategy will be reviewed and updated annually under the supervision of the NSA.
• Monitoring and Evaluation
A joint monitoring team was established, comprising representatives from all participating agencies and associations. This team will track the implementation of the resolutions and provide periodic progress reports to the NSA.
A Renewed Commitment
The meeting concluded with a unified commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively in eradicating petroleum smuggling. The stakeholders stressed that eliminating this illegal trade is essential to preserving Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain, securing government revenue, and ensuring economic stability.