Nigeria Customs Seizes Smuggled Petrol Worth ₦63.4 Million

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 1,577 jerry cans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, with an estimated duty-paid value of ₦39.4 million.

This was disclosed on Friday in Lagos by Assistant Comptroller General of Customs and National Coordinator of the Strike Force Unit, Hussaine Ejibunu, who addressed the media on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs.

Ejibunu revealed that the seizure was made across several border flashpoints — including Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete — during ongoing anti-smuggling operations. He said investigations revealed that the petroleum products were destined for illegal export to neighboring countries.

Reaffirming the agency’s resolve to clamp down on smuggling, Ejibunu emphasized that there would be no sanctuary for economic saboteurs. “Smugglers will find no safe haven. We are committed to protecting Nigeria’s economic integrity,” he said.

According to him, the intercepted 1,577 jerry cans contained a total of 39,425 liters of PMS, with each jerry can carrying 25 liters. Alongside the fuel, eight vehicles used in conveying the product were also confiscated. The combined value of the fuel and vehicles was put at ₦63.4 million, with the vehicles alone valued at ₦24 million.

Ejibunu further noted that, under the directive of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, the seized petrol will be auctioned without delay. He also commended critical partners for their support in the operation.

“We sincerely appreciate the Office of the Attorney General and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Lagos Zonal Office, for their unflinching cooperation. This operation’s success was made possible through their collaboration,” he stated.