…says illegal exports sabotage nation’s economy
Against the backdrop of illegal exportation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, across Nigerian borders, the Nigeria Customs Service (NIS) has warned that the smugglers and other perpetrators of the illegal act would be duly punished, saying the continued illegal exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries is sabotaging the nation’s economy.
This was made known by Hussein Ejibunu, Customs comptroller and National Coordinator for Operation Whirlwind; Controller, in a Press Conference held at Cross River/Akwa Ibom/FTZ Area Command Headquarters in Calabar.
Ejibunu decried the huge seizures of petroleum products, just as he reiterated that the exercise was in continuation of efforts to disrupt and dismantle the network of cartels and smugglers of Premium Motor Spirit, especially in the Riverine areas, noting that the operation was jointly coordinated by the Office of National Security Adviser and Nigeria Customs Service in synergy with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
It will be recalled that the maiden Press Conference granted by the Comptroller General of Customs in Yola, Adamawa State in zone ‘D’, two weeks after the inauguration of the special operations on 31st May 2024, the CGC displayed a combined total seizure of 280,135 litres of PMS worth over 195.5million.
Ejibinu, however, confirmed another seizure of one thousand and sixty-five (1,065) kegs of PMS, containing twenty-five litres each, which translates into (26,625) twenty-six thousand, six hundred and twenty-five litres of PMS together with one mode of conveyance. With a total DPV of forty million, fifty-four thousand, one hundred and twenty-five (40,054,125) Naira only.
“These interceptions were made on different dates and locations across Agbaragba-Ikom, Akansoko Road, Ikom-Ogoja Road and other places within the zone. It is worthy to note that in collaboration with NMDPRA, the operative monitored the supply and distribution chain right from the depot of loading up to the final destination (Retail Outlets) to ensure PMS reached its manifested destinations.
“As you are all aware, the terrain here in South-South and South-East is mostly covered by Riverine areas. Despite these challenges, we were able to record these tremendous successes. That is why it is imperative to sincerely thank the Cross River/Akwa Ibom Area Command, F.O.U Zone C and Border drill for their continuous support towards the success of this Special Operation and their quick response whenever we call upon them”, he said.
He urged members of the PMS smuggling cartels to have a re-think to go into legitimate businesses there would be continued raids against the economic saboteurs, as there would be no place for their illegal activities.
“The illegal exportation of Nigeria’s PMS to our neighbouring countries will not be tolerated by Nigeria Customs Service”, he said.
