The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s energy infrastructure as part of efforts to tackle irregularities in the petroleum downstream sector.
In a statement released on Monday, the service announced that its special task force, Operation Whirlwind, had handed over a sealed petrol station to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for further regulatory action.
The Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller-General Kola Oladeji, disclosed this during the official handover ceremony held in Badagry, Lagos State.
“As directed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, I officially hand over the sealed filling station, identified as Adeola Ade Plc along Owode-Apa Road, Badagry, to the NMDPRA for necessary regulatory actions,” Oladeji said.
He explained that the filling station, sealed on October 4, 2025, was found operating in violation of the regulations guiding petroleum retail operations in Nigeria.
“This handover sends a clear warning to economic saboteurs that the government remains resolute in enforcing compliance across the petroleum downstream sector,” he added.
Oladeji commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Nuhu Ribadu, for its role in intelligence gathering and policy coordination, which he said has strengthened national energy security.
“Continuous collaboration among security and regulatory agencies is essential to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure,” he noted.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Retail Infrastructure at NMDPRA, Ivy Agbenselugbo, highlighted the economic and environmental implications of fuel smuggling and diversion.
“Fuel smuggling and diversion do not only drain national revenue but also endanger the environment,” she said.
Agbenselugbo called for sustained collaboration between the NMDPRA and the Customs Service to improve intelligence sharing and enhance enforcement operations.
“We must work together with all stakeholders to curb the menace of petrol diversion. Strengthening our partnership through intelligence sharing and operational synergy will ensure better compliance and environmental safeguards,” she added.
