Jubilation in Yola as Customs Orders Subsidised Sale of Seized PMS
Residents of Yola, the Adamawa State capital, have expressed joy following the directive by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, to sell seized petroleum motor spirit (PMS) at subsidised rates.
The seized products, intercepted during operations by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in the Adamawa-Taraba region, aim to alleviate the hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.
The announcement was made during a press briefing by Comptroller Hussain Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, who commended CGC Adeniyi and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for their unwavering support of the initiative.
Ejibunu explained that the seized PMS, which had been smuggled for illegal export, was retrieved through intelligence-driven operations, totalling 71,965 litres and valued at over N81.5 million.
The confiscated products included 1,124 jerrycans in varying capacities (25, 40, and 60 litres), 53 drums (200 litres each), and two tankers carrying 21,000 litres.
The majority of the seizures were made near the Cameroon-Nigeria border, underscoring the regional scope of smuggling activities.
Ejibunu revealed that 13 of the 14 intercepted tankers had already been handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Yola, in a coordinated effort to regulate the downstream sector.
He further confirmed the arrest of a suspect linked to the smuggling, who is currently being prosecuted.
Ejibunu highlighted the broader impact of Operation Whirlwind, noting its success in stabilising the fuel supply within Adamawa State by curbing scarcity and price instability.
“Our goal is to curb the activities of illegal oil bunkerers and marketers, ensuring fuel reaches the intended beneficiaries,” he said.
He urged legitimate oil marketers to continue their trade without fear of harassment, assuring them of the Customs Service’s support in fighting smuggling.
Comptroller Garba Bashir, Customs Area Controller (CAC) for the Adamawa/Taraba Command, emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.
“This fight requires collective responsibility. We need the press, stakeholders, and all Nigerians to share intelligence that will help combat smuggling and strengthen our economy,” he stated.
Representing the NMDPRA, Humuri Timothy applauded the Customs Service for its decisive actions against fuel smuggling, describing their efforts as vital to Nigeria’s economic and energy security.
The subsidised sale of seized PMS has brought much-needed relief to Yola residents, who have faced the brunt of rising fuel prices following subsidy removal.
The proceeds from the sale will be remitted to the Federation Account, ensuring transparency in the process.
With Operation Whirlwind’s continued success in disrupting smuggling networks and mitigating fuel scarcity, Nigerians are optimistic about the sustainability of these efforts in fostering economic stability across the country.
