Long Queues in Yola as Seized Petrol is Auctioned by Nigeria Customs Service

In Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, long lines continued to form outside gas stations on Thursday afternoon, where seized petrol was being auctioned by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The sale followed a decision by Customs to dispose of confiscated fuel, a part of its efforts to curb illegal petrol diversion to neighboring countries.

The NCS Operation Whirlwind, which has been actively battling the illicit fuel trade, announced the auction at a news conference on Wednesday, October 9. The petrol was sold at N630 per litre, a significant discount compared to the N1,030 per litre charged at NNPC stations and the N1,250 price at independent marketers' stations in the state.

Eager locals flocked to the two designated stations where the confiscated petrol was being sold, waiting in long queues that extended well into the afternoon.

During the Wednesday press briefing, Operation Whirlwind revealed that 94,550 litres of petrol had been seized from international borderlines across the country. The petrol was allegedly destined for smuggling into foreign markets.

Olaniyi Olajugun, a Deputy Comptroller General representing Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, reaffirmed Customs’ dedication to stopping the illegal smuggling and diversion of fuel meant for Nigerian citizens. The seizures were the result of heightened anti-smuggling operations, which had intensified since June.