The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to auction 15,325 litres of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at a discounted rate of ₦400 per litre. The initiative aims to alleviate transportation challenges during the holiday season.
Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, revealed the plan on Saturday during a press briefing at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos.
Details of the Auction
The seized petrol, valued at ₦27.5 million, was confiscated during operations in Lagos and Ogun states targeting smuggling activities. Ejibunu noted that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has approved the auction, which will be sold at ₦10,000 per 25-litre container.
According to Ejibunu, all necessary legal and procedural steps, including obtaining a court condemnation order, have been completed to ensure transparency in the process.
Sustained Anti-Smuggling Efforts
Operation Whirlwind, launched on May 27, 2024, has recorded significant successes in combating smuggling. Ejibunu emphasized that the operation would continue until economic sabotage is eradicated.
“The Comptroller-General has instructed operatives to maintain the momentum in addressing the activities of economic saboteurs across the country,” Ejibunu stated.
Supporting Nigerians During the Festive Season
He added that the auction is part of efforts to ease transportation difficulties for Nigerians during the festive period. “This measure is designed to help Nigerians, especially at a time when transportation costs are high,” he said.
The auction is expected to provide relief to citizens while reinforcing the Customs Service’s commitment to curbing illegal activities in the petroleum sector.
