House Urges FG to Lift Ban on Sales of Fuel in Communities Within 20km to International Land Borders

Juliet Akoje in Abuja.

Following the removal of petrol subsidy, the House of Representatives yesterday urged the federal government

to lift the ban on sale of petrol in communities within 20 kilometers to international land borders in the country.

This resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Adegboyega Nasir Isiaka (APC-Ogun) during plenary yesterday.

Isiaka, recalled that in November 2019, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), 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.

“Aware that the ban was apt at the time to prevent smuggling of subsidised petroleum products to Nigerian neighbouring countries,” he said.

Noting that despite the removal of subsidy on petroleum products by the government, the ban was 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”

” Cognisant that the ban has continued to impact negatively on the socio-economic activities in the affected areas”

The House therefore urged the NCS 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 House in addition mandated its Committee on Customs and Excise (when constituted) to ensure implementation.