Customs CG Addresses Cross-Border Fuel Smuggling Issues

Bashir Adekola Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, discussed the persistent issue of cross-border fuel smuggling during a revenue monitoring exercise with the House Committee on Finance. He attributed the smuggling to significant price differences between Nigeria and its neighboring countries, despite intensified enforcement operations.

Adeniyi noted that the Customs Service initiated a special enforcement intervention, codenamed "Operation Whirlwind," as a short-term measure to combat the smuggling activities. He highlighted that the removal of fuel subsidies has led to an increase in smuggling, particularly in border territories such as Adamawa, Borno, Kwara, and Kebbi.

The Customs Service aims to leverage technology, including artificial intelligence and cargo scanning systems, to enhance border surveillance and revenue collection. Hon. Jame Abiodun Faleke, chairman of the House Committee on Finance, commended the Customs Service's performance and pledged support to address policy bottlenecks affecting revenue generation.