NCS and NMDPRA Give Reason Why They Closed Down Over 20 Fuel Stations

In an intensified effort to combat the smuggling of petroleum products, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA) have taken decisive actions, resulting in the closure of 20 fuel stations.  NCS and NMDPRA said that the crackdowns were because the fuel stations were implicated with fuel smuggling.

Assistant Controller General of Customs, Hussain Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, announced the crackdown during a press briefing in Lagos. He detailed the significant strides made by the operation in curtailing fuel smuggling across the country. Ejibunu revealed that six fuel stations in Lagos and ten along the Sokoto-Kebbi Express Road have been sealed. Furthermore, the licenses of five additional fuel stations have been revoked due to their involvement in smuggling activities.

Ejibunu also disclosed that numerous suspected fuel smugglers have been apprehended and are currently undergoing prosecution in courts across Nigeria. This development underscores the seriousness of the government’s efforts to clamp down on illegal fuel activities.

As part of the operation, approximately 16 tankers have been handed over to the NMDPRA in Adamawa alone for their roles in smuggling and diversion. Additional tankers were seized in various states, including four in Kano, three in Kwara, and nearly six in Lagos. Ejibunu emphasized that fuel stations caught dispensing fuel into jerry cans intended for smuggling will face severe consequences, including immediate sealing by NMDPRA and the confiscation of the fuel as evidence.


The spokesperson for NMDPRA, Mr. Ene Ita, confirmed the agency's robust collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service to tackle the diversion and smuggling of petroleum products. This partnership aims to ensure stringent enforcement of regulations and prevent the illicit flow of fuel out of the country.

Fuel smuggling has been a persistent issue in Nigeria, driven by the disparity in fuel prices between Nigeria and its neighboring countries. Smugglers exploit this price difference to illegally transport subsidized Nigerian fuel across borders, resulting in significant economic losses for the country. The government’s crackdown is part of broader efforts to safeguard national resources and stabilize the domestic fuel market.


The ongoing operation by NCS and NMDPRA reflects a determined stance against economic sabotage. By shutting down non-compliant fuel stations and prosecuting offenders, the authorities aim to deter future smuggling attempts and ensure that petroleum products serve their intended purpose within Nigeria. This initiative is expected to reinforce market integrity and contribute to the nation’s economic stability.


The closure of 20 fuel stations and the arrest of numerous suspects mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against fuel smuggling. The collaborative efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency highlight the government’s commitment to addressing this pervasive issue. As the crackdown continues, it is hoped that these measures will lead to a more regulated and transparent petroleum sector, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian economy and its citizens.