For nearly four years, more than 400 independent petrol stations in Nigeria’s border communities have remained closed due to government measures aimed at preventing fuel smuggling.
Despite repeated complaints from affected marketers about lost revenue, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reaffirmed on Monday that the restrictions would remain in place.
The agency, through its anti-smuggling initiative Operation Whirlwind, has intensified efforts to curb fuel diversion, particularly in light of severe petrol shortages in Niger Republic.
The crisis has pushed fuel prices in the neighbouring country to as high as N8,000 per litre, raising concerns about increased smuggling activities.
NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada emphasized that the agency remains committed to enforcing the ban.
“We are everywhere intercepting smuggled fuel—Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Seme, everywhere. Operation Whirlwind has been a huge success, and we will not allow petrol to leave Nigeria illegally,” he stated.
Maiwada also disclosed that apart from confiscating illicit fuel shipments, the agency is actively prosecuting smugglers, citing ongoing legal action against suspects in Adamawa State.
When asked about the fate of the affected filling stations, he maintained that they would remain shut.
Marketers demand reopening, cite economic losses
Independent petroleum marketers have continued to protest the prolonged shutdown, highlighting the devastating financial impact on businesses.
Chinedu Ukadike, the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), criticized the extended closure, noting that over 400 stations have been non-operational since 2019 following a government directive banning petrol supply within 20 kilometres of Nigeria’s borders.
“The owners of these stations have been out of business for years, but we know that the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) are working on reopening them,” Ukadike stated.
He also argued that while Operation Whirlwind has been effective, petrol stations should be allowed to resume operations.
He pointed out that under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Customs Service is not empowered to shut down filling stations, but only to seize fuel shipments illegally crossing the border.
Niger republic’s fuel crisis worsens, turns to Nigeria for Help
The fuel shortage in Niger Republic has deepened, with prices skyrocketing and demand outstripping supply.
Previously, Nigerian smugglers supplied up to 50% of Niger’s daily petrol consumption, but the removal of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy and tighter border controls have left the country struggling.
Despite strained diplomatic ties, the Nigerian government approved the supply of 300 fuel trucks to Niger to help ease the crisis.
Maazou Oumani Aboubacar, Commercial Director of Niger’s state-owned oil company Sonidep, acknowledged that illegal fuel imports from Nigeria had played a significant role in meeting his country’s demand.
“The petrol that entered Niger illegally from Nigeria accounted for nearly half of our market, especially in the border regions,” he revealed.
With smuggling routes now disrupted, Niger faces mounting pressure to secure stable fuel supplies legally, while Nigeria continues its crackdown to prevent subsidized fuel from being diverted abroad.