by Ezekiel Waheo-
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed it is selling petrol seized from smugglers in northern Nigeria at subsidised rates as part of a broader effort to address the nation’s economic challenges.
In a statement signed by the Acting Public Relations Officer of the Katsina Command, Assistant Superintendent of Customs Isah Bello, the service noted that under its “Operation Whirlwind,” 12,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were confiscated from smugglers in the Katsina, Kano, and Jigawa regions. These smugglers were attempting to move the fuel to neighboring countries.
Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, the Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, disclosed that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, authorised the auction of the seized petrol at subsidised rates.
Ejibunu stated, “This strategic initiative aims to ease the economic burden on Nigerians, particularly those in border areas, and to ensure that the benefits of fuel price deregulation reach the citizens most affected by smuggling activities.”
He further urged communities near the borders to support the Customs’ efforts by remaining vigilant and collaborating with officers in the fight against smuggling. “Nigerians, especially in these regions, need to actively work with us in combating these illicit activities that harm our economy,” Ejibunu emphasised.
According to the NCS, the auction aligns with Section 119 of the Nigeria Customs Act 2023, which empowers the service to sell confiscated fuel to the public. This move follows a recent similar auction in the Northeast, where seized petrol was sold at N630 per litre.
The Customs Service has ramped up its anti-smuggling efforts, especially following the deregulation of the downstream oil sector. Before this, petroleum products were regularly smuggled to neighboring countries, straining Nigeria’s finances through its subsidy system, while indirectly benefiting these countries.
In June, 1,800 petrol stations in the Northeast were closed after a conflict between petroleum marketers and the NCS, stemming from a crackdown on marketers suspected of smuggling.
