NNPC chief Kyari says Nigerian Customs crackdown has reduced petrol smuggling

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reported a significant decline in petrol distribution (PMS) to border states.

Group CEO Mele Kyari credited the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) “Operation Whirlwind” for the decline.

He made the remarks during a courtesy visit to Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in Abuja.

According to the NNPC, daily petrol supply to the border areas has dropped by 7 million litres in just two months, from 32 million litres to 25 million litres. This suggests a potential reduction in petrol smuggling across Nigeria’s borders.

An NNPC statement on Friday revealed that Kyari said the evacuation of PMS, also known as petrol, had dropped from 32 million litres per day to about 25 million litres amid the customs’ anti-smuggling operations.

“During the visit, Kyari particularly commended the rapid impact of NCS’s “Operation Whirlwind” in reducing the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (also known as petrol) across Nigeria’s border communities, with PMS evacuation to border states now reduced from 32 million litres per day to about 25 million litres in just two months,” the NNPC said.

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“Both parties pledged to strengthen collaboration in supporting the eradication of cross-border smuggling, thereby achieving Nigeria’s energy security.”

Customs launched ‘Operation Whirlwind’ on May 27 to end smuggling of petroleum products out of Nigeria.

While the NNPC report highlights positive initial impacts, further investigation is needed. These include:

• Assess the impact of reduced supply on local gasoline availability in border states.

• Verify whether the decrease in supply causes a decrease in smuggling volume.

• Determine the long-term effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind and potential adjustments needed.

The collaboration of NNPC and NCS to tackle petrol smuggling is a welcome development. Monitoring the situation and addressing potential unintended consequences will be critical in ensuring a sustainable solution.

NNPC Chief Kyari says Nigerian Customs crackdown has reduced petrol smuggling first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.