Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has attributed the instability in the foreign exchange market and economic woes to the increasing smuggling of petroleum products out of Nigeria.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement for Operation Whirlwind, organized by the Nigeria Customs Service, Ribadu emphasized that smuggling is a significant issue that needs to be addressed to stabilize the Naira and the economy.
*Smuggling: A Cancer That Destroys Everything – Ribadu*
Ribadu likened smuggling to cancer, stating that it destroys everything and even affects security forces, as a few individuals, half of whom are not Nigerians, profit from it.
*Customs Service Makes Significant Progress in Combating Smuggling*
The Nigeria Customs Service has made significant progress in combating smuggling, with 27 seizures and the detection of smuggling networks, as well as the seizure of 500,000 liters of PMS.
*Operation Whirlwind: A Collaboration Between Customs and Security Agencies*
Operation Whirlwind is a collaboration between the Customs Service and other security agencies to combat smuggling. The operation has been successful, but funding constraints threaten its sustainability.
*Government Agencies Must Collaborate to Combat Smuggling Menace – Ribadu*
Ribadu called for urgent action and collaboration between government agencies to combat the smuggling menace, which poses a significant threat to national security and economic stability.
