The Nigeria Customs Service has sealed a fuel station in Lagos State over alleged involvement in smuggling petroleum products across the Nigeria‑Benin Republic border. The facility, Adeola Ade PLC, located along the Owode‑Apa axis of Badagry, was shut down in October after intelligence reports and investigations indicated irregularities.
Kola Oladeji, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind and Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, said preliminary findings revealed multiple infractions that contravene Nigeria’s petroleum retail and distribution regulations. He confirmed that the facility was sealed on 4 October 2025 after confirming practices inconsistent with lawful petroleum trade. The operation was carried out professionally and transparently, in line with the Service’s mandate to sanitize the downstream oil sector.
Oladeji emphasized that this enforcement drive is part of a broader inter‑agency collaboration to combat fuel smuggling and safeguard national economic interests. The sealed facility has been handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for further investigation and possible sanctions. He warned operators in the petroleum sector against non‑compliance, stressing that the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies will sustain their coordinated crackdown on illegal fuel trading.
The move aims to eradicate sharp practices in the downstream sector and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. The Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to due process, accountability, and sectoral integrity, and indicated that the enforcement drive will continue with a focus on strengthening oversight and ensuring offenders face appropriate sanctions.
Petroleum product smuggling remains a significant challenge for Nigeria, costing the country billions of dollars in revenue each year. Operation Whirlwind has been a key element of the Customs Service’s efforts, successfully seizing large quantities of smuggled fuel and arresting suspects. The sealing of the Badagry fuel station marks a significant development in the fight against fuel smuggling, demonstrating the Service’s commitment to enforcing national regulations and protecting the country’s economic interests, while also serving as a deterrent to other operators who may be involved in illegal activities.
Comments are closed for this story.