Customs Sells Seized Petrol in Ibadan at ₦630/Litre

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Saturday sold approximately 20,000 liters of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, to the public at an auction price of ₦630 per liter. The sale was conducted at Afoo Filling Station, Masfala area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The petrol, confiscated by operatives of Operation Whirlwind in the Oyo/Osun axis, included a tanker load and 30 kegs containing 25 liters each. The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, flagged off the auction, stating that the total duty-paid value of the seized fuel amounted to ₦42.75 million.

Explaining the decision to sell the seized fuel, Comptroller Ejibunu said, “After obtaining a court condemnation order, we were directed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashiru Adeniyi, to auction the products to ensure Nigerians have access to fuel during the festive season.”

He further noted, “This action aligns with government policies to ensure seized goods are repurposed for public benefit rather than wasted. Government at every level ensures that citizens receive what they are entitled to, as and when due.”

The Comptroller also warned smugglers to desist from their illegal activities, stating, “Anyone caught engaging in smuggling will face prosecution. We are resolute in our mandate to curb economic sabotage.”

Recalling a similar operation, Ejibunu said that two months ago, petrol seized in Adamawa State was sold to the public at ₦630 per liter, with kegs auctioned at ₦10,000 for 25 liters. He revealed that the prosecution of a suspect arrested in connection with the seized fuel in Ibadan is underway.

The Area Controller for Oyo/Osun Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, reiterated the Customs Service's commitment to reducing smuggling activities. “We are working closely with Operation Whirlwind to safeguard the economy, ensure public safety, and discourage smuggling. This is part of the Comptroller General’s directive to prioritize public welfare,” he said.

The Managing Director of Afoo Filling Station, Alhaji Afolabi Olatunji, commended the smooth execution of the sale, noting that there was no chaos or crowd surge. A car dealer, Alhaji Bashir Adesina, also praised the Customs Service, describing the operation as “a deterrent to oil bunkering and smuggling activities.”

Comptroller Ejibunu appealed to citizens to assist the Customs Service by providing useful information about the activities of economic saboteurs. “Together, we can curb smuggling and strengthen Nigeria’s economy,” he added.