Fuel Security: Customs, NMDPRA Tighten Ropes on Diversion

Fuel Security: Customs, NMDPRA Tighten Ropes on Diversion

By prince Benson Davies

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have stepped up their efforts to combat the diversion of petroleum products intended for domestic use. In a bid to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security, both agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening interagency collaboration.

During a meeting between Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi and NMDPRA Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, Ogbugo Ukoha, the two agencies discussed ways to enhance their partnership. CGC Adeniyi emphasized the importance of protecting Nigeria’s domestic energy security and ensuring that petroleum products meant for local consumption are not diverted to neighboring countries.

The NCS and NMDPRA have been working together to prevent the diversion of petroleum products, and their collaboration has yielded significant results. Operation Whirlwind, a joint enforcement initiative, has been particularly effective in reducing cross-border smuggling. The operation has involved the deployment of personnel, exchange of intelligence, and joint monitoring of petroleum products in border corridors.

To further strengthen their efforts, the NMDPRA has developed new guidelines for designating export points for petroleum products. The guidelines aim to ensure that petroleum exports are properly regulated without exposing the country to energy security risks. The NCS has pledged to provide technical input, operational feedback, and border management expertise to support the implementation of the new guidelines.

The partnership between the NCS and NMDPRA is crucial in preventing the diversion of petroleum products and ensuring that Nigeria’s energy security is protected. Both agencies have expressed their commitment to working together to achieve these goals and to support legitimate trade and commerce.

The development of new export point guidelines is a significant step towards regulating the export of petroleum products and preventing diversion. The NMDPRA is engaging with key stakeholders, including the NCS, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Nigerian Navy, to ensure that the guidelines reflect operational realities before implementation.

The collaboration between the NCS and NMDPRA is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s energy security and economy. By preventing the diversion of petroleum products and ensuring that exports are properly regulated, both agencies can help to protect the country’s revenue and support legitimate trade and commerce.