The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have intensified collaboration to curb the diversion of petroleum products and safeguard Nigeria’s domestic energy security. The renewed partnership reflects a shared commitment to protecting national interests and ensuring that petroleum products meant for local consumption are not illegally diverted across borders.

A key pillar of the collaboration is Operation Whirlwind, which has been identified as a model for effective inter-agency cooperation. Through intelligence sharing, joint enforcement, and coordinated field operations, the initiative has recorded measurable successes, including a significant reduction in cross-border fuel smuggling.

In line with Nigeria’s expanding refining capacity, the NMDPRA has briefed the Customs Service on newly developed guidelines for designating export points for petroleum products. Both agencies reaffirmed their resolve to sustain progress, strengthen regulatory oversight, and ensure that petroleum exports are properly managed, noting that the removal of fuel subsidies has reduced the economic incentive for illegal fuel diversion.