EFCC Cautions Illegal Oil Bunkerers in Uyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a strong warning to illegal oil bunkerers and petroleum marketers in Akwa Ibom State, cautioning them against engaging in fraudulent practices, including procuring and dispensing adulterated petroleum products.

This warning was delivered by the Uyo Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE 1) Oshodi Johnson, during a courtesy visit by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Akwa Ibom State Coordinating Committee, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Oshodi emphasized that economic crimes related to oil bunkering would not be tolerated, as they undermine the nation’s economy and endanger consumers.

EFCC’s Commitment to Eradicating Illegal Oil Bunkering

Oshodi reaffirmed the EFCC’s mandate to combat all forms of economic and financial crimes, including illegal oil bunkering, which remains a major challenge in the petroleum industry. He stressed that the commission would not hesitate to take decisive action against individuals or businesses involved in such illicit activities.

“If you’re not aiding, abetting, or conspiring with illegal bunkerers, you don’t have a problem with us,” Oshodi stated. “We just want to discourage and discontinue the activities of illegal bunkerers because they sell to you, they bring their illegal products to you, but it’s high time we put an end to these things.”

IPMAN Seeks Clarification on Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s Role in Oil Sector

During the meeting, IPMAN’s Chairman, Comrade Francis Udeyen, expressed his association’s interest in working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to sanitize the petroleum downstream sector. He highlighted the importance of understanding the commission’s legal authority in testing petroleum products and called for a clearer framework for collaboration.

“We need to be informed on how the EFCC is involved in our line of business,” Udeyen stated, emphasizing the need for synergy between IPMAN and the EFCC to tackle the circulation of adulterated petroleum products. He noted that while the association supports regulatory oversight, marketers require clarity on how the EFCC’s interventions align with existing petroleum industry regulations.

EFCC’s Laboratory and Testing Mechanism

In response to IPMAN’s concerns, Oshodi explained the rationale behind EFCC’s involvement in petroleum product testing. He assured the marketers that the commission’s testing procedures are designed to safeguard the integrity of fuel supply and prevent the distribution of substandard products.

“Concerning our testing processes, I can assure you that the EFCC has the best laboratory that we just launched in Port Harcourt,” Oshodi said. “It is a complete forensic laboratory of international standard.” He further stated that the EFCC’s advanced facilities would ensure accurate detection of adulterated fuel, thereby reducing environmental hazards and economic sabotage.

Strengthening Collaboration to Curb Adulteration

Oshodi assured IPMAN of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s commitment to sustained collaboration in tackling the menace of fuel adulteration and illegal bunkering. He stressed that effective cooperation between regulatory agencies and petroleum marketers was essential to restoring public confidence in the industry.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission urged petroleum marketers to comply with all legal and regulatory standards while carrying out their business operations. Oshodi reiterated that cracking down on illegal oil bunkering would not only protect consumers but also ensure stability in the country’s petroleum sector.