The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on Saturday auctioned approximately 20,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, at ₦630 per liter in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The auction, which took place at Afoo Filling Station in the Masfala area, involved petrol intercepted from smugglers.
According to the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, the tanker containing the petrol was seized alongside 30 kegs, each with a capacity of 25 liters, during an attempted smuggling operation.
Comptroller Ejibunu disclosed that the total duty-paid value of the confiscated 30,750 liters was estimated at ₦42.75 million.
He added that the auction followed a court condemnation order after the items were unclaimed for a prolonged period.
“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashiru Adeniyi, directed the sale to enhance public access to fuel during the festive season,” Ejibunu stated.
The Customs official highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring citizens benefit from seized items in line with its policy.
He assured Nigerians that the auction process was transparent and aimed at improving fuel availability in the market.
Ejibunu also issued a stern warning to smugglers, urging them to desist from their illegal trade, as the agency is determined to prosecute offenders.
Reflecting on a similar operation two months ago in Yola, Adamawa State, Ejibunu noted that seized petrol was sold at the regulated price, with 25-liter kegs auctioned for ₦10,000 each.
He added that legal proceedings are ongoing against a suspect arrested during that operation.
The Customs chief called on Nigerians to support the NCS by providing intelligence on economic saboteurs, pledging the agency’s commitment to combating smuggling under the directive of the Comptroller General.
Ejibunu lauded the collaboration between the Oyo/Osun Area Command and the Commander of Operation Whirlwind, emphasizing that such partnerships enhance security, bolster the economy, and deter smuggling activities.
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