Customs and Excise to the border fuel station profile to curb gasoline smuggling

In a new attempt to fight the smuggling that is rampant from Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as Petrol, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to start making the profile of all fuel stations located near the Nigerian border region.

Financial Supervisor General Customs and Excise, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed this during the direction of the media in the Federal Zone A operating zone in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday. The event also featured a public auction of more than 39,000 liters of PM confiscated. Adeniyi, who was represented by the National Coordinator of the Wirelwind Operation, Deputy Financial Supervisor Hussein Ejibunu, said the profile exercise aims to distinguish between active charging stations and almost dead, thus identifying those who function as gasoline channels.

“We need to identify stations close to the border, which are inactive and still operating, so that we can determine which is used to divert the PM throughout the border,” explained Adeniyi. “This will help Nigeria midstream and downstream oil regulatory authority (NMDPRA) in making decisions based on information about licenses.”

The Head of Customs Customs clarified that the wrong fuel station will be reported to NMDPRA for regulatory measures. “Customs do not issue a license; that is the responsibility of NMDPRA to take the necessary action against the default,” he said.

During the event, NCS revealed the confiscation of 1,577 Jerrycans gasoline (25 liters each), amounting to a total of 39,425 liters, along with eight vehicles used to transport smuggling goods. The value paid for the task of the confiscated product is estimated ₦ 39.4 million, while the vehicle value stands at ₦ 24 million, carries a cumulative value to ₦ 63.4 million.

Adeniyi also confirmed that four suspects were arrested in connection with seizures. “Two of them are currently experiencing prosecution, while the other two are still under investigation to determine their level of involvement,” he said.

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Wirelwind Operation, a special task force launched by NCS to overcome fuel smuggling, has made significant steps in recent months. Adeniyi proudly noted that the operation had been carried out without using firearms. “We have maintained discipline. In a tense situation, we are looking for military support. In one example in Mudi, the troops arrived in a few minutes, and smuggling immediately fled after their arrival.”

A representative from NMDPRA, Mr. Patrick Musa, praised the Wirelwind Operation for an impact intervention. He noted that the seizure had disrupted the supply of illegal fuel operations and helped preserve national resources.

NCS announced that the confiscated fuel would be auctioned directly to Nigeria at subsidized prices. “Jerrycan 25 liters will be sold only with ₦ 10,000,” said Adeniyi. “This is to ensure that these products return to legitimate consumers.”

The latest seizures occur in various locations in the southwest, including Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete, all identified as high-risk corridors for PMS smuggling to neighboring countries such as the Republic of Benin.

Adeniyi also referred to a similar auction held last week in Yola, the state of Adamawa, where more than 46,000 liters of gasoline were sold to locals after successful interception by operators in the northeast.