From Umar Dankano, Yola
The Whirlwind Operation Wing of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has auctioned 94,550 litres of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at ₦155,157,560 to the public in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
Of the seized PMS, 66,000 litres were sold at two filling stations—Gawi Oil Nigeria Ltd and Oilpad Global Services Ltd—at an auction price of ₦630 per litre.
The sale was launched at the Oilpad Global Services Ltd filling station opposite Yola Airport on Wednesday by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Enforcement, Investigation, and Inspection, DCG Olaniyi Olagunji.
Adeniyi noted that the auction was in line with Section 119 of the Nigeria Customs Act 2023, which empowers the NCS to sell seized PMS to the public.
Adeniyi also issued a stern warning to smugglers, emphasizing that the ongoing operations aimed at curbing the illegal exportation of petroleum products are here to stay.
At a press conference held at the Adamawa/Taraba Area Customs Command, DCG Olagunji highlighted that Operation Whirlwind, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has made significant strides in reducing petroleum product smuggling.
“We are implementing strategies, and the results are evident in our recent seizures. The commitment of all stakeholders strengthens our resolve to effectively combat this national challenge,” Olagunji stated.
He called on residents of Adamawa and other border states to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure the benefits of fuel price deregulation are fully realized.
In a goodwill message, the State Coordinator of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA), Muhammad Bashir Kafur, advised petroleum marketers to avoid product diversion, warning that such acts carry severe penalties.
He emphasized that any changes in the destination of petroleum products must be approved by the agency or risk license revocation.
The Adamawa/Taraba Area Comptroller of Customs, Bashir Garba Bature, explained that the sale of the condemned PMS was authorized by a court order.
He also noted that several suspects have been apprehended and are facing prosecution, stressing that the fight against smuggling is in the best interest of all Nigerians.
Motorists and tricycle riders in queues at the two filling stations praised the Customs in handling the seized petroleum products through auction to the public.