The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Kehinde Ejibunu, has attributed the recent spike in petrol prices to ₦900 per litre to rampant smuggling activities.
This comes as the NCS announced the seizure of 26,950 litres of petroleum products, valued at approximately ₦19 million, being smuggled into the Republic of Benin.
At a press briefing in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Ejibunu emphasized the impact of smuggling on domestic fuel scarcity and rising prices. “The activities of smugglers contribute significantly to the artificial scarcity of petroleum products, thereby driving up prices,” he stated.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reflects the severity of the situation, showing that the average retail price of petrol in April 2024 was ₦701, a 176.02% increase from ₦254.06 in April 2023. Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) sells petrol at a pump price below ₦600 per litre.
Ejibunu detailed the seizures by the Operation Whirlwind team within the past two weeks, revealing the interception of 978 kegs of 25 litres, totaling 26,950 litres, in Lagos and Ogun states. This special squad was established by NCS Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi to enhance efforts against smuggling.
“In just about two weeks of operation, the Operation Whirlwind team, Zone A axis intercepted 26,950 litres of premium motor spirit worth ₦19 million,” Ejibunu reported.
Specific incidents included the interception of 3,025 litres of petrol at Oyinkansola Global Concept on the Badagry/Seme road, Lagos, and 15,400 litres seized at Seayab Petroleum along the Imeko/Obada road, Ogun State. The NCS also impounded another 2,500 litres along the Owode/Atan Road and 6,025 litres at Julankoly Oil and Gas on the Owode/Ilaro road.
The implicated petrol stations have been sealed, and their owners will face prosecution. Ejibunu warned, “Those involved in the criminal act of sabotaging the country’s economy must either change their ways or face the full force of the law.”
Given the inflammable nature of the seized products, Ejibunu indicated that they would be condemned and auctioned shortly.
