Customs, NMDPRA Strengthen Alliance Against Fuel Diversion, Endorse New Export Point Framework
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have intensified their collaboration to curb the diversion of petroleum products meant for domestic consumption and to reinforce Nigeria’s energy security.
This renewed commitment was underscored during a meeting between the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and the Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure of the NMDPRA, Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, held on Tuesday December 9, 2025, at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.
At the meeting, Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s resolve to deepen inter-agency cooperation, particularly in preventing the cross-border diversion of petroleum products and safeguarding supplies intended for the Nigerian market.
He noted that the partnership between both agencies had already yielded tangible results, especially through Operation Whirlwind, which he described as a benchmark for effective intelligence sharing, joint enforcement actions and coordinated field operations.
The Comptroller General stated that the Nigeria Customs Service remains fully aligned with ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector and would continue to provide technical input, operational feedback and border management expertise to support the implementation of the new export point guidelines being developed by the NMDPRA.
He commended the Authority’s efforts to harmonise legacy processes with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, stressing that clear and efficient export point procedures are critical as Nigeria transitions from a net importer to an emerging exporter of petroleum products.
“We welcome all initiatives that strengthen energy security and ensure that the gains recorded in reducing cross-border diversion are sustained. Our collective responsibility is to protect national interest, promote legitimate trade and maintain a transparent and predictable system for stakeholders. The Customs Service will continue to work closely with sister agencies to achieve these objectives,” Adeniyi said.
In his remarks, Ukoha, described the relationship between the NMDPRA and the Nigeria Customs Service as longstanding and productive, noting that Operation Whirlwind represents the peak of their collaboration.
He explained that the joint deployment of personnel, intelligence sharing and coordinated monitoring of petroleum product movements across border corridors had significantly reduced diversion.
According to him, the visit was aimed at briefing the Comptroller General on newly developed guidelines for the designation of petroleum product export points, in line with Nigeria’s expanding refining capacity.
Ukoha disclosed that the NMDPRA is engaging critical stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Nigerian Navy, to ensure the guidelines reflect operational realities prior to full implementation.
He recalled several joint field operations and strategic engagements with Customs leadership, including the launch of Operation Whirlwind in Yola, where both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to curbing diversion and securing the domestic petroleum supply chain.
He added that while enforcement efforts have played a major role in reducing irregular movements of petroleum products, the removal of fuel subsidy has also diminished the economic incentives for cross-border smuggling.
Ukoha assured that the NMDPRA would continue to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service to sustain the progress achieved and ensure that petroleum exports are properly regulated without compromising national energy security.
