Mohammed Shosanya
The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to lift the ban on sale of fuel in communities within 20kilometers to International land borders
The development came on the heels of the removal of subsidy on fuel by the government
The House frowned at the decision of the Federal Government to ban sales of petrol in areas close to the country borders.
This followed the adoption of a motion titled, ‘” Need to Lift the Ban on Sale of Fuel in Communities 20kilometers to International Land Borders:”.Hon. Adegboyega Nasir Isiaka:(APC-Ogun)
Hon. Isiaka recalls that in November 2019, the Nigerian Customs Service announced the ban on the sales and supply of Petroleum products in all communities within 20km of the Nigerian land borders which measure approximately 4,047kilometres.
He noted that the ban was necessary at the time to prevent smuggling of subsidized petroleum products to Nigerian neighbouring countries.
He said: “Despite the removal of subsidy on Petroleum Products by the government, the ban is yet to be lifted, thus causing hardships to millions of Nigerians living and conducting businesses within the affected area (located in 15 states of the federation) who have to travel kilometers to get the products or pay an extra amount to secure the products for their daily needs.
“Cognizant that the ban has continued to impact negatively on the socio-economic activities in the affected areas.
Isiaka implored the House to urge the federal government to review the policy towards lifting the ban on the sale of fuel within 20Kilometersto the Nigerian land borders as fuel subsidy has been effectively removed.
He added that House should also urge the Nigerian Customs Service and other relevant government agencies to ensure immediate stoppage of the ban thus, allowing duly registered fuel stations within this community to be supplied with petroleum products.
The motion was unanimously supported by the House
