By Fatou Krubally
A high-level Nigerian delegation is in The Gambia to study the fuel integrity system implemented by the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), an initiative aimed at curbing fuel smuggling and improving revenue collection.
The visit brings together senior officials from the revenue and regulatory institutions of both countries, alongside representatives of Swiss technology firm SICPA, the technical partner behind the system.
Welcoming the delegation, GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe said the study tour reflects growing cooperation among African revenue administrations in addressing common challenges in the petroleum downstream sector.
He explained that the fuel integrity solution, launched in 2025 through a public-private partnership with SICPA, was designed to combat fuel smuggling, adulteration, and unfair market competition.
“Prior to the system’s introduction, The Gambia experienced significant revenue leakages and consumer risks associated with substandard fuel,” Darboe said. “Since its implementation, revenue performance has improved markedly, monitoring across the supply chain has strengthened, and compliance among fuel marketers has increased. Consumers are better protected, and legitimate businesses now operate on a level playing field.”
Darboe noted that the GRA’s implementation drew on international cooperation, including a study mission to Tanzania involving officials from the Ministry of Finance, regulators, and technical teams.
Representatives of SICPA described the company as a global leader in fuel marking and traceability technology. Matthew West, Area Business Director, and Country Manager Momodou Clark Jarra said the Nigerian delegation would observe the system in practice, interact with technical teams, and exchange experiences with authorities and end users.
Dr. Jobson O. Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and head of the Nigerian delegation, said The Gambia was selected for its experience with fuel marking and its relevance to Nigeria’s revenue and fuel quality challenges.
He added that technology-driven monitoring could reduce fraud, enhance environmental safety, and strengthen public confidence in the fuel distribution system.
The Nigerian delegation is expected to hold further meetings with stakeholders and technical operators before concluding the visit. Both sides expressed optimism that continued cooperation will support effective revenue administration and curb illicit trade in the region.