The Nigerian Customs, led by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, recently handed over a significant seizure of 1,650 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The handover ceremony took place at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, where Adeniyi outlined the efforts made over the past nine weeks to intercept illegal fuel and combat smuggling in various Lagos State locations.

Comptroller Adeniyi highlighted that the seized contraband was part of a robust enforcement strategy involving increased surveillance in known smuggling hotspots. The focused operations targeted areas such as Badagry, Seme, and Owode, revealing a serious issue of fuel smuggling that has implications for both the economy and regulatory oversight. The captured fuel represents a significant duty-paid value of N40.7 million, indicative of the scale of the smuggling operations within these regions.

This handover not only addresses the immediate illegal activity but also signifies a collaborative approach between the Nigerian Customs and the NMDPRA to ensure compliance with petroleum regulations. The ongoing fight against smuggling underscores the importance of protecting national resources and maintaining fair market practices, which are vital for economic stability in Nigeria.