A recently released report by KPMG Nigeria sheds light on the consequences of Nigeria’s decision to end its fuel subsidy regime. According to the report, fuel pump prices in the Republic of Benin have witnessed a significant increase, rising to 800 CFA. KPMG suggests that this surge may be attributed to the smuggling of Nigerian fuel to neighboring countries during the era of fuel subsidies. The report emphasizes the need for advanced technologies like nanotechnology to track fuel movements and support evidence-based decision-making by government policymakers. These findings align with the statements made by Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, highlighting the prevalence of fuel smuggling across borders.
KPMG Nigeria’s June 2023 report titled “Removing Fuel Subsidies in Nigeria” examines the aftermath of Nigeria’s decision to eliminate fuel subsidies. The report draws attention to the considerable increase in fuel prices in the Republic of Benin, which soared from 450 CFA to 800 CFA following President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the PMS subsidy. This surge in pump prices further reinforces the widely held belief that substantial quantities of subsidized PMS were smuggled out of Nigeria to neighboring countries.
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Mele Kyari, the CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, recently shed light on the issue of fuel smuggling, citing examples of Nigerian fuel being smuggled and sold in various neighboring countries, including Sudan. He highlighted the stark difference in profit margins, with legitimate sales within Nigeria yielding a margin of approximately N300,000 for four trucks of 60,000 liters of fuel from Lagos to Maiduguri. In contrast, the same quantity and capacity of fuel sold across the Nigerian border fetch a margin ranging from N12 million to N17 million.
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According to the KPMG report, the persistently higher fuel prices in the Republic of Benin compared to Nigeria present lucrative arbitrage opportunities for smugglers and rent seekers to continue fuel smuggling across the border. To address this challenge, the report suggests leveraging nanotechnology to monitor the movement of Nigerian fuel across borders, providing government policymakers with comprehensive information for evidence-based decision-making.
The report highlights the significant progress made in vehicle tracking systems, which offer real-time data on vehicle location, fuel usage, and fuel source. By establishing linkages with Vehicle Identification Numbers and Global Positioning System tracking, interventions can be implemented to prevent the misuse of fuel products for personal gain.
Additionally, the report suggests the use of nano-infused fuel additives and other materials to track and trace fuel from ports to fuel station forecourts, including potential smuggling across borders to neighboring countries. Nano-sensors can also play a crucial role in monitoring fuel levels in individual vehicles’ fuel tanks, preventing disruptions to traffic flow and minimizing passenger delays.
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KPMG Nigeria’s report brings attention to the significant surge in fuel pump prices in the Republic of Benin following Nigeria’s fuel subsidy removal. This increase indicates a potential consequence of fuel smuggling from Nigeria to neighboring countries. The report underscores the importance of adopting advanced technologies such as nanotechnology to track fuel movements and provide accurate information for evidence-based decision-making by government policymakers.
As Nigeria navigates the post-subsidy era, it is crucial for policymakers to develop robust strategies to address fuel smuggling effectively. By implementing measures like advanced vehicle tracking systems and leveraging nanotechnology, authorities can combat fuel smuggling, safeguard the interests of Nigerian consumers, and ensure fair pricing and availability of petroleum products within the country.
Source: LeadershipNG
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