The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have renewed their commitment to combating the diversion of petroleum products meant for domestic consumption, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.
This resolve was reiterated during a recent meeting between the leadership of both agencies, where discussions focused on deepening inter-agency collaboration in the regulation and monitoring of petroleum products across the country.
Speaking at the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to enhanced cooperation with NMDPRA, particularly in safeguarding petroleum products intended for the local market.
He stressed the importance of coordinated action in preventing cross-border smuggling and ensuring that national energy interests are protected.
As part of ongoing reforms in the sector, NMDPRA disclosed that it is developing new guidelines for the designation of export points for petroleum products, in line with Nigeria’s expanding refining capacity.
The proposed framework is aimed at ensuring that petroleum exports are properly regulated without exposing the country to risks that could undermine domestic energy security.
The NCS pledged to support the initiative by providing technical input, operational feedback, and border management expertise to aid effective implementation of the guidelines.
Both agencies also reviewed the impact of their joint initiative, Operation Whirlwind, which has recorded notable success in reducing the cross-border diversion of petroleum products.
Under the operation, personnel from both organisations have been deployed, intelligence shared, and border corridors jointly monitored to curb smuggling and secure the domestic supply chain.
The NCS and NMDPRA reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting national interests, supporting legitimate trade, and maintaining a transparent and reliable regulatory system.
They agreed to sustain close collaboration to build on existing gains and ensure that petroleum exports are effectively regulated without compromising Nigeria’s energy security.
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