Nuhu Ribadu Urges Immediate Action to Combat Petroleum Smuggling in Nigeria....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has expressed grave concerns over the escalating smuggling of petroleum products out of Nigeria. He warned that without addressing this critical issue, instability in the foreign exchange market will continue to hinder economic progress.

During a stakeholder engagement for Operation Whirlwind organized by the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja, Ribadu highlighted the severity of the smuggling problem. He stated, “We have been suffering due to smuggling, and if we want to address our economic problems, smuggling has to stop. It is difficult because it is like cancer and eats up everything.”

Ribadu emphasized the damaging effects of smuggling, saying, “It destroys us and even our security forces because of the very few individuals making profit from it, and half of them are not even Nigerians.” He called for urgent action, noting that Nigeria suffers from smuggling more than any other country, which directly affects the stability of the Naira. “If we can’t stabilize the Naira, then we are in trouble,” he added.

To combat this growing crisis, Ribadu assured attendees that his office would fully support the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies in their efforts to tackle smuggling. His comments come amid ongoing initiatives to address the issue, including Operation Whirlwind.

Operation Whirlwind’s Progress

Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, reported significant actions taken since the program’s launch on May 28, 2024. “From May till date, the Customs has made about 27 seizures and detected smuggling networks in Badagry and Adamawa. Other activities have also improved border security, and we have succeeded in ensuring fuel smuggling is reduced,” he noted.

Ejibunu highlighted the achievements of the operation, stating, “So far, we have seized 500,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with seven trucks, amounting to N475 million. The seizures were made in Kebbi, Sokoto, Lagos, and Adamawa. We have opened other axes in Kwara, Niger, Katsina, and Kano.”

He also mentioned the dangers faced by Customs officers, saying, “Most of our officers are on death threats, including myself, and we receive messages to desist from fighting. However, we won’t relent because we must ensure the survival of Nigeria.”

Continued Efforts Needed

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reinforced the need for ongoing efforts to combat smuggling. He explained, “We won’t spare any effort in combating the menace, which is why we launched Operations Whirlwind. We have made some progress, but we need funding because we spend about N230 million monthly to sustain the operation. Since it is not in our budget, it is not sustainable, and Customs may not be able to drive it alone.”

Adeniyi called for funding collaboration to maintain the operation through the end of the year, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the smuggling crisis for Nigeria’s economic stability.