The House of Representatives has requested that the federal government lift the ban on fuel sales within 20 kilometres of Nigeria’s borders. They have also urged the Nigerian Customs Service and other government agencies to immediately end the ban and allow registered fuel stations in these communities access to petroleum products.
The call followed a motion by Adegboyega Nasir Isiaka assessing the announcement by the Customs Service to ban sales of petroleum products in the communities. Isiaka urged the government to address the negative impact of the ban on communities affected by the smuggling of subsidised petroleum products.
The House passed a motion mandating its Customs and Excise Committee to oversee implementation. The Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, stated that not all land borders had reopened. The acting CG confirmed seizures of smuggled fuel at borders, but it will take time to fully stop fuel smuggling. Adeniyi clarified that the Federal Government did not order the opening of all land borders.
Speculation arose about the president reopening all land borders upon taking office. However, the acting Comptroller-General informed journalists that the borders were not considered strategic and would remain closed in 2022. A thorough review of the situation is currently in progress. He planned to visit Benin to discuss customs administration and enhance border security and regional integration.
