Fuel subsidy removal has significantly reduced smuggling of petroleum products across Kwara State International border with the Republic of Benin.
This is according to the Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara State command, Kehinde Dehinde Ilesanmi.
He disclosed this at the 2023 second quarter scorecard press briefing in Ilorin, the state capital.
According to him, economically, the pump price has risen from N195 to N515 or N520, particularly in Ilorin, hence, buying petrol for smuggling has reduced.
“The same thing that happened to people who have been purchasing the product legally, has happened to those doing it illegally.
“So the volume of the product to be purchased has drastically reduced and the volume to be transported outside the country has also reduced,” the comptroller declared.
“Therefore, how many people have the financial muscle to carry 500 Jerry cans of petrol?” He queried.
The customs comptroller described the fuel subsidy removal policy as a master stroke that has helped Nigeria to make the cabal that has been living on the largesse of the fuel subsidy even outside the country to have a re-think.
Kehinde, noted that “immediately the fuel subsidy was removed, there were demonstrations in the neighbouring countries of Nigeria.
“If you decide to sweep and clean your house, then your neighbours in the other flats start to demonstrate, that is to tell you that you have done something very significant.”