Customs to Profile Border Fuel Stations, Auction 39,000 Litres of Seized Petrol

 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a comprehensive initiative to tackle fuel smuggling by profiling fuel stations near border areas and auctioning off nearly 39,425 litres of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. This move aims to disrupt illegal fuel trade, ensure fair distribution of petroleum products, and support market stability across the country.

Fuel smuggling has been a persistent challenge in Nigeria, especially in border regions where porous boundaries facilitate the illicit movement of subsidized fuel to neighboring countries. This illegal activity undermines government revenue, distorts market prices, and causes shortages that affect ordinary Nigerians. The NCS’s latest strategy seeks to strengthen oversight, enhance regulatory compliance, and break smuggling networks.

The seized 39,425 litres of petrol were intercepted in the Lagos-Ogun border corridor, a known hotspot for fuel smuggling. The fuel was stored in 1,577 jerrycans, each holding 25 litres, intended for illegal export to the neighboring Benin Republic. The seizure occurred under the NCS’s “Operation Whirlwind,” which also led to the arrest of four suspects and the confiscation of eight vehicles used in smuggling. The total duty-paid value (DPV) of the seized petrol is estimated at ₦39.4 million, while the vehicles are valued at ₦24 million, bringing the total seizure value to ₦63.4 million.

To provide relief to consumers and disrupt the illegal fuel market, the NCS will auction the seized petrol at ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan. This pricing is designed to make the fuel affordable and accessible, discouraging people from turning to smuggled sources. The auction also offers an opportunity for individuals and businesses to legally acquire fuel at reasonable rates.

In tandem with the auction, the NCS will profile fuel stations in border communities to identify active and inactive outlets. The goal is to detect stations that may be complicit in smuggling or operating without proper authorization. Those found violating regulations will be reported to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for necessary sanctions.

Profiling these stations is part of a wider effort to enhance transparency and regulatory enforcement at vulnerable points in the fuel distribution chain. By creating a detailed database of border fuel stations and monitoring their activities, the Customs Service aims to cut off channels used by smugglers and hold illicit operators accountable.

“Operation Whirlwind” has been instrumental in curbing fuel smuggling without the use of force. The operation is a joint effort involving the NCS, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the NMDPRA, and the Attorney General’s office. This collaboration has helped to coordinate enforcement, ensure prosecution of offenders, and protect national interests.

Fuel smuggling impacts government revenues and everyday consumers alike. It leads to fuel shortages at legitimate outlets and forces people to pay inflated prices or wait in long queues. By auctioning seized fuel and monitoring border stations, the NCS aims to stabilize supply, protect consumers, and eliminate exploitative practices.

The fight against smuggling also supports national security and economic growth. Smuggled fuel often fails to meet safety standards, posing environmental and health risks. Additionally, the government loses billions of naira in taxes and duties, funds that could support infrastructure and social services. Reduced revenue also threatens fuel subsidies that benefit millions of Nigerians.

The profiling exercise will generate important data on fuel station operations and identify gaps that enable smuggling. This intelligence will inform better border controls and enforcement strategies. Fuel station operators are urged to cooperate fully with profiling to demonstrate compliance and avoid penalties.

Details about the auction process are available through official NCS channels, including websites and designated offices. The auction is open to the public and provides a lawful avenue to obtain fuel at subsidized rates, helping to ease market pressures.

This initiative represents a proactive approach by the Nigeria Customs Service, combining enforcement actions with market-driven solutions to address long-standing fuel sector challenges. Through these efforts, the NCS hopes to secure Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, enhance government revenue, and promote fairness in the petroleum market.

In summary, profiling border fuel stations and auctioning seized petrol are key steps in combating fuel smuggling in Nigeria. These measures are designed to dismantle illegal networks, safeguard consumer interests, and foster a more stable, transparent, and equitable fuel distribution system. As the NCS continues its enforcement efforts, these actions are expected to contribute significantly to a sustainable fuel market for all Nigerians.