The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to sell 15,325 litres of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly called petrol, at ₦400 per litre. This move aims to ease transportation challenges during the festive season.
Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator of the NCS’s Operation Whirlwind, revealed this during a press briefing at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos. He stated that the seized petrol, worth ₦27.5 million, was confiscated during operations in Lagos and Ogun states.
Approval and Auction Details
Ejibunu shared that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, approved the auction. The petrol will be sold at ₦10,000 for a 25-litre container, making it affordable for the public. He also noted that all legal and procedural steps, including a court condemnation order, have been completed to allow the sale.
“This operation, which began on May 27, 2024, has achieved significant success,” Ejibunu said. “The Comptroller-General has instructed operatives to keep up the fight against economic saboteurs until they are completely stopped.”
Impact on Festive Transportation
The auction aims to address the difficulties Nigerians face during the festive season, especially with transportation. By making the seized fuel available at a reduced rate, the Customs Service hopes to provide some relief to citizens.
This effort is part of a broader strategy to ensure economic stability and curb illegal activities in the petroleum sector.