NIGERIA: Customs Seize ₦63.4m Worth of Smuggled Petrol in South-West

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 1,577 jerry cans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, during coordinated operations across the South-West region.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Friday, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs and National Coordinator of Operations Whirlwind, Mr. Hussaine Ejibunu, said the fuel, valued at ₦39.4 million, was seized at border flashpoints including Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete. He revealed that the smugglers intended to illegally export the petrol to neighbouring countries.

In addition to the petrol, Customs officials also confiscated eight vehicles used in the smuggling operation. The vehicles were estimated to be worth ₦24 million, bringing the total value of seized assets to ₦63.4 million.

Ejibunu, who represented Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised the Service’s commitment to curbing smuggling.

He stated: “There will be no haven or hiding place for smugglers and economic saboteurs. We will continue to disrupt their illegal operations and reduce them to the barest minimum.

He also disclosed that, on the directive of the Comptroller General, the seized fuel will be auctioned immediately.

Ejibunu commended collaborative agencies for their support, including the Office of the Attorney General and the Lagos Zonal Office of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Also speaking at the briefing, Mr. Patrick Musa, Assistant Director at NMDPRA’s Lagos office, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fighting economic sabotage.

He added: “We will continue to support the Customs until these economic saboteurs are completely dismantled.”