The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has sounded the alarm over the growing menace of petroleum product smuggling, warning that it poses a severe threat to Nigeria’s economy.
Adeniyi made these remarks on Monday during his official visit to the Kwara State Customs Area Command headquarters in Ilorin, emphasizing that fuel smuggling remains a persistent challenge that must be tackled decisively.
“This menace constitutes a great danger to our economy, and we must deploy all necessary measures to curb it. The culprits will be brought to book in accordance with the law,” Adeniyi declared.
He stressed that combating smuggling requires a collective effort, urging security agencies, government institutions, and the general public to play active roles in the fight.
The Customs chief, however, acknowledged progress in curbing the illegal trade, attributing it to the deployment of advanced technology. He noted that with Nigeria’s 17 land borders, leveraging technological innovations and engaging key stakeholders remain essential to achieving lasting success.
Speaking during the visit, the Kwara State Comptroller of Customs, Faith Ojeifo, echoed Adeniyi’s stance, stating that eliminating fuel smuggling demands the joint efforts of all security agencies and concerned citizens.
Meanwhile, Adeniyi also addressed concerns about the extension of service for some Customs officers, affirming that due process was followed.
He disclosed that the approvals, including that of Faith Ojeifo, were granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after thorough review.
“We will be at the National Assembly tomorrow with all the necessary documents. We don’t manufacture papers; everything we do follows legal approvals,” Adeniyi assured.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while ensuring that no one operates outside its provisions.
CGC declared that operatives of Customs, Kwara Command seized a total sum of 53,000 liters of petrol, valued at ₦53 million, along borders in Kwara state between January, 14 2025 to February, 14, 2025.
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