Customs hands over seized LPG to NMDPRA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has given a seized shipment of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The handover happened on Friday at the Customs warehouse in the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command.

Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Nkeiruka Nwala, and NMDPRA State Coordinator, Joy Okor-Odey, were present at the event.

Mahmood Bello, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, said this action shows Customs’ dedication to stopping illegal diversion of petroleum products.

He stated that the LPG was meant for legal domestic use and that diverting it threatens the country's economic security.

Mr Bello also mentioned that the event included a public auction of 245 jerry cans of petrol, which contained 6,125 litres.

He said these products were seized at key locations, including Ekairoa, Sakansi, Abaka, and Yukongo.

According to him, the auction had a total duty-paid value of N6.135 million.

Mr Bello explained that the seizures and handover aimed to make sure petroleum products are moved, shared, and used according to set regulations.

He warned that illegal diversion and smuggling threaten national economic security, disrupt legal supply chains, and support economic sabotage.

The national coordinator praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Office of the National Security Adviser, NMDPRA, and Operation Whirlwind staff.

He called on operational commanders to enhance surveillance and intelligence gathering due to reports of possible rises in petroleum product diversion and smuggling.

Inter-Agency Cooperation
Ms Nwala also spoke, saying the handover is part of efforts to boost teamwork among agencies and fight smuggling of petroleum products.

She highlighted the need for continued cooperation among relevant agencies to protect the nation's economic interests and ensure adherence to petroleum regulations.

Ms Nwala added that the formal handover of the LPG shipment shows the importance of regulatory compliance, accountability, and good coordination in the petroleum sector.

She thanked NMDPRA representatives and other partners for their collaboration with Customs in tackling economic crimes.

Importance of LPG Safety
In her remarks, Mrs Okor-Odey described the handover as a clear example of cooperation between agencies and regulatory duty.

She said this move would help ensure LPG gets to legal domestic, commercial, and industrial users.

She stated, "LPG is not just a product; it is energy for homes, businesses, and industries."

Mrs Okor-Odey added, "When LPG is diverted or illegally transported, it can have serious consequences for consumers and the economy."

She warned individuals and companies involved in illegal petroleum product diversion that the authority would not accept actions that harm product availability.

Mrs Okor-Odey revealed that initial investigations are completed and the involved company has paid the necessary administrative penalty.

She assured that the handed-over LPG would be treated properly, following safety standards.

She stressed the product’s volatile nature as a reason for strict safety adherence.

Mrs Okor-Odey promised ongoing cooperation with Customs and other security agencies to improve intelligence sharing and enforce petroleum regulations.