Gboyega Isiaka, the House of Representatives member for Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, has commended President Bola Tinubu for removing the restriction on the sale and distribution of petroleum products to border communities located within 20 kilometres of the Republic of Benin.
Isiaka noted that although only five filling stations across four towns—Imeko, Ilara, Oja Odan, and Ihunbe—will resume operations following the policy change originally introduced under President Muhammadu Buhari six years ago, the move by President Tinubu has brought significant relief to constituents.
This development was revealed in a statement released on Monday by his media aide, Femi Peters.
According to the statement, the reversal of the policy followed sustained advocacy by Isiaka, who engaged with various stakeholders including the Nigeria Customs Service, other security bodies, and also appealed for the change on the House of Representatives floor in Abuja.
It added that one of the critical steps in the advocacy effort was the oversight visit on April 9, 2025, where Isiaka accompanied the House Committee on Customs and Excise on a fact-finding tour to the Nigeria Customs Service Ogun 1 Area Command in Idiroko and other strategic NCS units in Zone A.
During the visit, Isiaka addressed the frustrations of border community residents, who had been subjected to a six-year ban on petroleum products, which contributed to economic strain, rising transport costs, and stagnation of local businesses.
He said, “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.”
Despite celebrating this milestone, Isiaka urged both filling station operators and residents to remain law-abiding.
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.”
What you should know
Rep Gboyega Isiaka’s persistent lobbying has helped end a six-year fuel ban in Nigeria’s border towns. Five petrol stations in the affected areas can now resume operations, marking a win for residents long burdened by economic hardship.
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