NMDPRA , Customs Anti Smuggling Collaboration Reducing 10m litres From Monthly PMS Consumption – Ahmed
The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority(NMDPRA) Engr Farouk Ahmed has disclosed that recent collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service has caused a reduction of 10m litres from the volume of Nigeria’s consumption of premium motor spirit.
Speaking at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller General of Customs Conference in Abuja, Engr Ahmed said the special operation by NCS codenamed ‘Operation Whirlwind’ has achieved a consistent reduction in the monthly consumption figure
Specifically mentioning northern borders, the NMDPRA chief executive said while a total of 59.7m liters were consumed in May 2024 before the commencement of Operation Whirlwind which has achieved reduction to an average of 47m liters from June to October 2024.
Farouk who was represented by Mr. Ukoha Ogbugo said the authority observed unjusitfiable movement of trucks towards the borders which points to possibility of smuggling and lauded the Nigeria Customs for stopping the trend of product diversion
He commended the operation as one that has reduced smuggling drastically and commended the Comptroller General for the initiative.
He added that both organizations are taking the various smuggling flashpoints across Nigeria’ one by one to achieve deeper impacts for the organisation
On prosecution of suspects, he said there is the need to do more in arresting and prosecuting offenders. He added that monitoring vessels carrying petroleum products should automated.
