The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is currently in talks with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a measure to completely halt cross-border smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (also known as petrol).
Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the NNPCL Mr. Mele Kyari on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Comptroller General of the (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi where he lamented the impact of the menace on the nation’s economy.
Kyari particularly commended the rapid impact of the NCS’ “Operation Whirlwind” in reducing the smuggling of petrol across Nigeria’s border communities.
He said PMS evacuation to border states has now decreased from 32 million liters per day to about 25 million liters within just two months.
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Both parties pledged to strengthen collaboration in sustaining the onslaught against cross-border smuggling, to attain Nigeria’s energy security.
Avalable reviewed rda indicate that petrol smuggling remains a persistent issue in Nigeria despite the removal of fuel subsidies.
The prices of petrol in the country are significantly lower than in neighboring nations, a situation that creates a lucrative incentive for smuggling petrol.