The Nigerian Customs Service, Sokoto/Zamfara command, has auctioned 56,164 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirits (PMS) that were seized from smugglers in Sokoto.
The auction took place on Wednesday.
Kamal Muhammed, the Controller of the command, inaugurated the auction. He noted that the exercise aligns with the directives of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale, aimed at curbing smuggling activities in Nigeria.
Muhammed recalled a previous auction, conducted under the same directives, where 11,270 liters of PMS were auctioned after being intercepted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind in the Sokoto/Zamfara axis.
“Due to intensified efforts against smugglers, the service recently seized 55,164 liters of PMS, valued at N38,669,964.00. The breakdown of the seizure includes 28,116 liters seized by the intelligence-driven tactical team, Operation Whirlwind, and 23,030 liters seized by the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command patrol teams,” Muhammed explained.
Despite the removal of subsidies, Nigeria still offers some of the cheapest PMS prices globally, selling at an average of N701.99 per liter.
This is significantly lower compared to prices in neighboring countries such as Cameroon (N2,061.55 per liter), Mali (N2,128.20 per liter), and the Republic of Benin (N1,672.05 per liter).
This price disparity has made PMS smuggling a lucrative venture, fetching smugglers two to three times the domestic price.
The smuggling of PMS has caused artificial scarcity in parts of Nigeria and increased the strain on the country’s foreign exchange, which is used to import the product.
“In accordance with existing laws and with the approval of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale, the seized 55,164 liters of PMS will be auctioned to the public today at N180 per liter,” Muhammed announced.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Customs Service is committed to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests with dedication, justice, and integrity.
Muhammed also issued a stern warning to smugglers to cease their illegal activities, stating, “The Nigerian Customs Service will drive you out of your illegitimate business.”
