The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a strategic partnership with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to combat petrol smuggling across the nation’s borders.

In a statement issued Tuesday night, the NCS revealed that the collaboration also includes the Dangote Refinery, as stakeholders work together to address the growing threat to the nation’s economy posed by illegal fuel exports.

At a meeting in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation, Mr. Timi Bomodi, outlined the agency’s resolve to curtail petrol smuggling.

“Petrol smuggling must be stopped in the interest of our economy. This collaboration underscores the critical role of synergy among NCS, NMDPRA, and IPMAN in tackling this menace,” Mr. Bomodi said.

He also emphasized the importance of geospatial surveillance and robust ground operations under the NCS’ Operation Whirlwind.

“With advanced monitoring from the sky, we ensure transparency and integrity across the supply chain—from refinery production to designated filling stations. A centralized filing system enables us to track activities and prevent illegal diversions,” Bomodi added.

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, described the initiative as a call to duty essential for national economic stability.

“This is about ensuring that products meant for Nigerians are delivered on time and in the right quantities. While supporting legitimate trade, we will impose stringent measures against those exploiting backdoor channels. Our operations are steadily closing in on these illicit activities,” Ejibunu said.

IPMAN President Abubakar Shettima expressed concerns about the seizure of trucks and the closure of some filling stations but pledged the association’s full support for Customs’ anti-smuggling efforts, particularly in border areas.

This initiative marks a significant step in safeguarding Nigeria’s petroleum resources and strengthening the nation’s economic resilience against illegal activities.