National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has raised alarms about the escalating issue of petroleum smuggling from Nigeria. He warned that this problem is contributing significantly to the instability of the Naira and the country’s broader economic difficulties.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement event for Operation Whirlwind, organized by the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja on Monday, Ribadu described smuggling as a severe threat to Nigeria’s economic stability.
Ribadu 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.”
The NSA emphasized the damaging impact of smuggling on both the economy and national security. He pointed out that the illegal trade not only harms the country’s finances but also undermines the efforts of security forces. Ribadu noted that many of the individuals involved in smuggling are not even Nigerian nationals.
“There is no country that suffers from smuggling like Nigeria,” Ribadu said. “We have to address it now because with the trouble we are going through, we can’t stabilize the Naira, and if we can’t stabilize the Naira, then we are in trouble.”
Ribadu assured that his office would support the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies in their fight against smuggling. He emphasized the need for a concerted effort to tackle this issue effectively.
The event also featured updates from Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind. Ejibunu provided details on the progress of the operation, which began on May 28, 2024.
Ejibunu reported that Operation Whirlwind had achieved significant results.
“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 reducing fuel smuggling.”
He highlighted the cooperation with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which has been crucial in their efforts. Ejibunu revealed that the operation had led to the seizure of 500,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across various states including Kebbi, Sokoto, Lagos, and Adamawa.
Additionally, seven trucks involved in smuggling operations were confiscated, with an estimated value of 475 million Naira.
Ejibunu also mentioned the threats faced by Customs officers involved in the operation. “Because of this work, most of our officers, including myself, are on death threats. We receive messages telling us to stop fighting smuggling, but we won’t relent because we must ensure the survival of Nigeria.”
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, also spoke about the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling. Adeniyi stressed the need for continued action and support.
“We won’t spare any effort in combating the menace, and this explains why we launched Operation Whirlwind. We have made some progress, but we need funding because we spend about 230 million Naira monthly to sustain the operation.”
Adeniyi highlighted that the funding for the operation is not currently covered in the Customs budget, making it challenging to sustain the effort. He called for collaboration and support to maintain the operation throughout the year.