The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to auction over 15,325 liters of seized premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, to alleviate transportation challenges during the festive season.
Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, made this known on Saturday during a press briefing at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos State.
According to Ejibunu, the seized petrol, valued at ₦27.5 million, was confiscated during operations targeting smuggling activities in Lagos and Ogun states. The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has approved the auction of the product at a reduced price of ₦10,000 per 25 liters, which equates to ₦400 per liter.
Ejibunu revealed that all legal protocols for the auction, including a court condemnation order, have been completed with the assistance of the office of the legal adviser.
“This operation, which began on May 27, 2024, has been highly effective,” Ejibunu said. “The CGC has commended the operatives for their efforts and has directed that they sustain this momentum to completely eradicate the activities of economic saboteurs in the country.”
He added, “The directive to auction the seized petrol is a strategic move to ease transportation difficulties faced by Nigerians during the festive period.”
The auction comes at a critical time when rising fuel prices and limited availability have strained public transportation systems, particularly during the holidays.
The seized petrol will be sold to the public at a significantly reduced rate to provide immediate relief, while also discouraging illegal smuggling activities that disrupt the nation’s economic stability.
This initiative reflects a broader effort by the Customs Service to combat smuggling while ensuring that essential resources are redirected to benefit law-abiding citizens. With the festive season underway, the auction is expected to provide much-needed support to Nigerians grappling with transportation costs.
The NCS also reiterated its commitment to sustaining its crackdown on economic sabotage, assuring the public of continued efforts to protect the nation’s economy and enhance social welfare.
