Reports drafted by Niger's national oil company and the customs service show to what extent government departments close their eyes to traffic that saps the budget.rnAccording to a report drawn up by the Societe Nigerienne des Produits Petroliers (SONIDEP) that looked at the years between 2000 and 2006, the smuggling of oil products has "become so anchored in the mentality of some people that it becomes a cultural factor."The report, a copy of which was obtained by AEI, indicated that the smuggling of gasoline, which was previously confined to border areas with Nigeria like Zinder, Maradi and Diffa can now be found in the north of the country, such as Agadez, and even in the capital, Niamey.
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