The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has assured residents of border communities that efforts are underway to resume the supply of petroleum products in their areas within the next few days.
Rollback on 2019 Ban
In 2019, the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari implemented a ban on the supply of petroleum products to border communities. The ban, enforced by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), prohibited filling stations within a 20 km radius of the borders from receiving or dispensing fuel. This move was part of the Operation Swift Response initiative, aimed at curbing illegal bunkering and fuel smuggling to neighboring countries.
Hardship Endured by Border Communities
The ban has resulted in significant hardship for people residing in border areas, who now have to travel 20 km to access fuel for their generators, especially in light of unreliable power supply. Since the government’s removal of fuel subsidy, border communities have been advocating for a review of the ban, arguing that it is no longer justified.
Hopes for Policy Review
During his recent visit to Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, the Acting Comptroller General of Customs spoke to Media Talk Africa and expressed optimism that the policy may be reviewed in the coming days. Adeniyi stated, “On fuel supply in border communities, we are actively monitoring the situation. If you remember, there was a resolution by the Senate about two or three weeks ago expressing the same concern. We also have a shared understanding about this. We have made our position known to the National Security Adviser, and we are hoping that in the next few days, there might be a review of this policy.”
