From Joseph Asegba, Yola
The Nigerian Customs says it will leave no stone unturned in curbing the excesses of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise called Petrol out of the country saboteurs.
The NCS has enforced the newly initiated operation entitled ‘Operation Whirlwind’ where customs commands will remain vigilant against the illicit activities of smugglers in the country.
This was revealed in a press briefing at the Nigerian Customs Service Adamawa/ Taraba States Command held in Yola Adamawa state capital.
Briefing journalists, the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said the Command has taken rigorous measures implemented to ensure strict adherence to government expectations.
Adeniyi, while frowning at the quantum evacuation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) noted that the nation is losing not less than 104,255 litres worth millions of naira daily basis.
After supporting the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidy about a year ago, the CG Custom said the decision to do that was a crucial step aimed at freeing up substantial funds that could be redirected to other productive sectors of the economy, reducing pressure on the foreign exchange reverse and diversifying economic growth.
He said the comparative price advantage while beneficial to our citizens, unfortunately, creates a lucrative for smuggling PMS to various states in Nigeria, obtained from the Nigeria National Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
According to him, reports show significant changes in evacuation patterns that are not just justified by economic and demographic changes, particularly in border states that share contiguous borders with our neighbours.
“Between April and May 2024, Borno and Kebbi states recorded 75% and 59% increase in evacuations ranking among the top three states. On a year-on-year basis (May 2023 and May 2024), Sokoto and Taraba States recorded the most substantial increase in evacuations with 24% and 2% increases, respectively.
“While the borders states of Katsina and Kebbi also recorded more than 50% increase in evacuation. These discrepancies, along with the price disparity between domestic PMS (N701.99) and neighbouring countries (N1,787.57) raised a concern about the actual delivery of PMS and the potential for smuggling,” he said.
It is on this note that, credible intelligence on activities around border areas corroborates these suspicions, and and and ensures Nigerians enjoy the full benefits of fuel price deregulation in with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinibudedefendse National currency and reduces pressure that may be attributed to the activities of smugglers.
Also, to identify dismantle and disrupt cartels of smugglers operating within the ecosystem raise awareness of the local government and solicit their support to achieve these objectives.
The Nigerian Custom Comptroller Boss “noted that the NCS is pleased to announce the significant strides made in the ongoing Operation Whirlwind, aimed at curbing the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit PMC out of the country.
“In the Pat two weeks, we have received credible intelligence on the relative stability of the price of PMS around border states, this is easily attributed to a a disruption in the operations of smugglers. Within 7 days of intensive operations, a total of 150,950 litres of PMS, valued at 105,965, 391, have been interpreted at various locations nationwide.
Comptroller General Custom also revealed that in Nova 45,000 litres of PMS in a tanker was seized, in Mubi 45,000 litres of PMS in a tanker, 2,375 litres in 95 25 jerry cans in Mubi, and 4,450 litres of PMS in 178 25 litres jerrican were seized in 3 different locations, including Song-Wuroboki, Mubi-Sahuba road and Gidan Madana- Sahuda road all of Adamawa state.
Also in Maiha a total of 20, 030 litres of the product in 25 and 30 litres jerry cans were equally seized in various locations across the County including Maiha, Adamawa state, Illela, Sokoto and Agbaragba Creek in Mfum border of Cross River state. A total of 32,000 litres of PMS were seized at border locations in the Northeast and South West axes of the Country. A total of 17,500 litres was recorded in Mubi, Adamawa, while 15,400 litres was recorded around Imeko Obada Road in 616 25 jerry cans and also a seizure of 8,525 litres in separate locations in Owode (Owode Ilaro and Owode At a road) in Ogun state.
Following their evidence, the recent distribution of PMS to border states is driven by the activities o fsI’mgglers”combineddivdiversion0, 135 litres by the PMS at N196,524,075.and and 50 raising economic saying that all those involved in the cross-border diversion of the products are saboteurs to the last order, any truck found within the border be seized and any filling stations their licences be withdrawn.
