The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has successfully intercepted over 695,000 liters of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage, particularly the smuggling and diversion of petroleum products. The interception was revealed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during his keynote address at the 18th Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar.
Adeniyi emphasized the role of NCS in securing Nigeria’s borders, underscoring the importance of border control in safeguarding national security, protecting the economy, and ensuring the safety of citizens. He noted that the interception of smuggled petrol was a direct result of the NCS’s commitment to tackling emerging security threats.
The NCS’s efforts are aligned with the new Nigeria Customs Act 2023, which has significantly redefined the agency’s operational priorities. This Act has enabled NCS to enhance operational efficiency and foster better collaboration with domestic and international partners.
Adeniyi also highlighted the agency’s record achievements in 2024, including generating a record ₦5.1 trillion in revenue. This achievement reflects the NCS’s innovative use of technology and improved compliance measures.
In addition to its role in anti-smuggling efforts, NCS has made significant strides in preventing the proliferation of small arms, intercepting arms shipments such as 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition at Onne Seaport. The NCS has also worked closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to seize illicit drugs and has actively fought wildlife trafficking by intercepting 4,200 kilograms of pangolin scales and ivory.
Adeniyi also discussed the use of advanced geospatial technologies, including satellite feeds and geo-mapping, to bolster surveillance and enforcement activities, ensuring sustainable operations.
At the Gala/Award Night held as part of the African Security Watch Conference, the NCS was honored with the “Best National Security Service in West, East, and Central Africa 2023/2024” award. Adeniyi was also recognized for his leadership and contributions to the organization’s success. These accolades underline the NCS’s role in fortifying Nigeria’s borders, enhancing trade facilitation, and tackling transnational crimes.
