The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has sold 20,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to members of the public in Ibadan.
The petrol was sold at an auction price of ₦630 per litre after being confiscated from smugglers by Customs operatives under Operation Whirlwind.
This operation took place in the Oyo/Osun axis and was aimed at curbing the illegal exportation of petroleum products.
The auction was conducted at Afoo Filling Station in the Masfala area of Ibadan on Saturday.
According to Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, the seized tanker also included 30 kegs, each containing 25 litres of petrol.
The total quantity of the seized product was 30,750 litres, with a duty-paid value estimated at ₦42.75 million.
Comptroller Ejibunu stated that the Customs Service obtained a court condemnation order to sell the unclaimed petrol to members of the public.
He explained that the directive to sell the product was issued by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashiru Adeniyi.
“This move ensures that the public benefits from these seized goods, especially during the festive season when fuel demand is high,” Ejibunu said.
The seized tanker, intercepted while attempting to smuggle petrol out of the country, highlights the ongoing struggle against economic sabotage.
“Government policy mandates that seized goods be auctioned for public use. It ensures citizens have access to what they are entitled to,” Ejibunu added.
The Customs official also used the opportunity to warn smugglers about the consequences of their actions.
“Let this serve as a warning: anyone caught smuggling will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he emphasised.
This is not the first time the Customs Service has sold seized petrol to the public.
Two months ago, the service auctioned petrol in Yola, Adamawa State, at a similar price.
Petrol sold in kegs during that operation was priced at ₦10,000 per 25-litre keg.
Ejibunu also disclosed that legal proceedings against the suspect apprehended with the seized tanker have already begun.
He appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with the Customs Service by providing information about smugglers and other economic saboteurs.
“We urge citizens to support our efforts by reporting illegal activities that harm our economy,” he said.
The Area Controller for Oyo/Osun Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, reinforced the commitment of the Customs Service to tackling smuggling.
He described the collaboration between his command and Operation Whirlwind as a significant step towards safeguarding Nigeria’s economy.
“Our goal is to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum while ensuring safety and economic stability,” Oramalugo said.
The Managing Director of Afoo Filling Station, Alhaji Afolabi Olatunji, praised the orderly execution of the sale.
“There was no chaos or disorder during the process. The sale went smoothly,” he noted.
Members of the public who benefitted from the sale expressed their satisfaction.
A car dealer, Alhaji Bashir Adesina, commended the Customs Service for its efforts to curb oil smuggling.
“This operation is a job well done. It sends a strong message to smugglers and oil bunkerers,” he remarked.
Fuel smuggling has been a persistent issue in Nigeria, driven by the disparity between local and international fuel prices.
Smugglers exploit this price gap, illegally transporting petrol across borders to neighbouring countries where it is sold at higher rates.
The government has intensified efforts to tackle the menace, with Customs and other security agencies collaborating to intercept smuggled goods.
The seizure and sale of the tanker in Ibadan highlight the broader challenges Nigeria faces in securing its resources.
The Customs Service has pledged to remain vigilant and proactive in its fight against smuggling.
As the festive season continues, the sale of the seized petrol provides some relief to citizens facing fuel scarcity and rising prices.
The government’s message is clear: smuggling will not be tolerated, and those caught will face justice.