Tinubu removes petrol sales restrictions in border communities, Rep hails
Senator Gboyega Isiaka
Tinubu removes petrol sales restrictions in border communities, Rep hails
• He makes call for fuel station operators and stakeholders to behave responsibly within the confines of the law.
The House of Representatives member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, Gboyega Isiaka, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for lifting restrictions on the sales and supply of petroleum products to communities that are within 20 kilometres of the country’s border with the Republic of Benin.
Isiaka said that though the lifting of the sanction imposed six years ago under President Muhammad Buhari will only allow five filling stations to operate among four border towns, including Imeko, Ilara, Oja Odan and Ihunbe, the magnanimity of President Tinubu has brought lots of relief to the residents of the Federal Constituency.
The federal lawmaker disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Femi Peters.
The statement explained that the lifting of the restriction was a result of Isiaka’s series of engagement with critical stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, other security agencies, as well as his plea for the reversal of the policy on the floor of the House of Representatives, Abuja.
The statement disclosed further that one of such pivotal efforts was the recent oversight visit on the 9th of April 2025, when Hon Isiaka joined the House Committee on Customs and Excise on a fact-finding mission to the Nigeria Customs Service Ogun 1 Area Command in Idiroko, among other key NCS formations in Zone A.
He had during that visit addressed the ongoing frustrations of the communities regarding the six-year petroleum product supply restriction within 20 kilometers of the border.
The lawmaker said that the policy had imposed severe economic hardship on already vulnerable populations, significantly increasing transportation costs, hampering local businesses, and further marginalizing our people.
Isiaka stated further that “Today, we are proud to announce that normalcy is gradually returning to our border communities.
“Thanks to sustained engagement, and the listening ears of leaders at the highest level, five petrol stations—two in Imeko, and one each in Ilara, Oja Odan, and Ohunbe—have now been granted permission to resume fuel sales.
“This for us represents more than just a policy shift; it is a restoration of dignity, a rekindling of hope, and a step towards economic justice for the long-neglected people of our border communities.
“On behalf of the good people of Yewa North/Imeko-Afon, we express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his statesmanship and empathy, and to the management of the Nigerian Customs Service, led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose cooperation has been instrumental in making this progress possible”.
While basking in this euphoria, Isiaka has however called on all fuel station operators and residents to act responsibly and strictly within the confines of the law.
He said “Let us ensure that this renewed trust is not misplaced, even as we continue to advocate for the complete reopening of our borders in a manner that balances national security with local prosperity”.
