Fuel Sale Ban in Border Communities Still Tied to Security – Lawmaker

Gboyega Isiaka, a member of the House of Representatives representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency in Ogun State, has clarified that the ongoing ban on petrol sales in border communities remains in place due to unresolved security concerns.

During a press briefing in Abeokuta on Monday, where he reviewed his two-year tenure in the National Assembly, Isiaka emphasized that although the removal of fuel subsidies should have eliminated the need for such restrictions, security agencies insist on maintaining the policy based on classified intelligence.

Isiaka, who chairs the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, explained that the restriction was initially implemented to prevent fuel smuggling across Nigeria’s borders.

“The original purpose of the ban was to stop cross-border fuel smuggling. With subsidy removal, one would assume that the incentive for smuggling no longer exists. However, the security agencies, who have access to more detailed intelligence, continue to support the restriction,” he said.

He added that although the current realities suggest the policy should be revised, any official lifting of the ban would only occur upon clearance from security authorities such as the Nigerian Customs Service and other related bodies.

In 2019, the administration of then-President Muhammadu Buhari prohibited fuel sales within 20 kilometers of border towns in a bid to tackle the illegal diversion of petrol to neighboring countries. Although a limited number of petrol stations were later granted waivers, the majority of communities in the affected areas still suffer from fuel shortages.

Among the Ogun State communities impacted by the ban are Idiroko, Ipokia, Ijofin, Iwoye Ketu, Tube, Oniro, Araromi Ofo, and others spread across Ipokia and Imeko Afon Local Government Areas.

Isiaka acknowledged the hardship the policy continues to inflict on residents who now rely heavily on black market sources for their fuel needs. He called for continued patience, assuring constituents that efforts were being made to persuade authorities to lift the ban gradually.

“I have raised the issue with relevant agencies and discussions are ongoing. We’re advocating for a phased removal to ease the burden on our people. Their challenges are not ignored,” he concluded.