The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to auction 15,325 litres of seized petrol to the public at ₦400 per litre.
The auction is intended to alleviate transportation challenges during the festive season, according to the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Ejibunu.
Ejibunu made this known during a press briefing at the Customs Training College in Ikeja on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
He revealed that operatives in the Lagos-Ogun axis recently confiscated 613 jerrycans of petrol with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦27,565,000.
“This operation, which began on May 27, 2024, has yielded significant results. The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) has urged operatives to sustain the momentum until the activities of these economic saboteurs are eradicated,” Ejibunu said.
Auction Details
The Coordinator disclosed that all legal processes, including a court condemnation order, have been concluded, allowing the auction to proceed.
“The CGC has directed the auctioning of the seized PMS at the rate of ₦10,000 per 25 litres to members of the public. This initiative is aimed at easing transportation hardships during the festive period,” he explained.
Sustained Anti-Smuggling Efforts
Operation Whirlwind has been active since May 2024, targeting economic saboteurs involved in the illegal movement of petroleum products and other contraband. Ejibunu affirmed the Customs Service’s commitment to curbing smuggling and safeguarding the country’s economy.
The auction provides an opportunity for the public to access fuel at a subsidised rate while supporting the Customs’ drive to deter illegal trade activities.
