NSA to Enforce Penalties for Smuggling, Asks Customs to Prosecute Offenders
On 9 September 2024, a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on the issue of petroleum product smuggling was convened, chaired by the National Security Adviser (NSA). Key participants included representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), and major stakeholders such as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). After extensive deliberations, the following key resolutions were reached:
1. *Public Awareness Campaign*
A decision was made to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at educating Nigerians on the adverse effects of petroleum smuggling on the nation’s economy and security. This campaign will be a collaborative effort involving all participating agencies, utilizing various media platforms to reach different segments of society.
2. *Commitment from Stakeholders*
All stakeholders publicly disassociated themselves from smuggling activities and pledged to implement stricter internal controls. They also agreed to cooperate fully with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies to identify and report suspected cases of smuggling.
3. *Stakeholder Feedback and Partnership*
A formal mechanism was established to facilitate regular feedback from stakeholders on the ongoing anti-smuggling efforts. This includes periodic review meetings with the participation of relevant agencies and associations.
4. *Enhanced Inter-Agency Collaboration*
Participants emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the NCS, NMDPRA, NNPC Ltd., and security agencies to support Operation Whirlwind. A Centre for Linkages and Collaboration will be established to unite all relevant stakeholders. Improved information sharing and joint operations were also agreed upon as key measures for combating smuggling effectively.
5. *Funding for Operation Whirlwind*
Acknowledging the high costs associated with anti-smuggling operations, the meeting resolved to advocate for increased budgetary allocations for Operation Whirlwind. All participating agencies pledged their support in securing this funding.
6. *Technology Adoption*
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NNPC Ltd., NMDPRA, and the NCS agreed to explore the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance the monitoring and control of petroleum product movements throughout the supply chain.
7. *Community Engagement*
Operation Whirlwind, with support from other agencies, will develop a strategy to actively engage community leaders, particularly in border areas, as partners in the fight against smuggling.
8. *Legal Framework Enhancement*
The National Security Adviser will coordinate with relevant government bodies to strengthen the legal framework for anti-smuggling operations. This includes enforcing existing laws, enhancing penalties for smuggling, and encouraging the NCS to prosecute offenders.
9. *Sustainable Anti-Smuggling Strategy*
The NCS, in collaboration with NMDPRA and NNPC Ltd., committed to developing a long-term, sustainable strategy to combat petroleum smuggling. This strategy will be reviewed and updated annually under the supervision of the National Security Adviser.
10. *Monitoring and Evaluation*
A joint monitoring team, comprising representatives from all participating agencies and associations, was established to oversee the implementation of these resolutions. The team will provide periodic progress reports to the National Security Adviser.
*Conclusion*
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to work collaboratively to eliminate petroleum smuggling and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain.
*Signed:*
– National Security Adviser (NSA)
– Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
– Representative, Defence Headquarters
– Representative, Nigerian Navy
– Representative, Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
– Representative, Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.)
– Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)
– National President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN)
– National Chairman, Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD)
– Executive Secretary, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN)
– National President, Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO)
– Representative, Executive Secretary, Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN)
– Chief of Staff, Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN)
