Gboyega Isiaka, the House of Representatives member for Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, has commended President Bola Tinubu for lifting the six-year-old restrictions on the sales and supply of petroleum products to communities located within 20 kilometers of Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin.
Isiaka expressed his appreciation for the relief brought to his constituents, noting that although only five filling stations will be allowed to operate in four border towns—Imeko, Ilara, Oja Odan, and Ihunbe—the decision has provided a welcome reprieve for the residents who have long struggled with the economic hardships caused by the restrictions.
In a statement released on Monday by his media aide, Femi Peters, Isiaka revealed that the lifting of the restrictions was the result of his tireless efforts and engagements with critical stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other security agencies. Additionally, Isiaka made a passionate plea on the floor of the House of Representatives for the reversal of the policy.
The statement highlighted Isiaka's involvement in a pivotal oversight visit on April 9, 2025, when he joined the House Committee on Customs and Excise on a fact-finding mission to the NCS Ogun 1 Area Command in Idiroko, as well as other key NCS formations in Zone A. During this visit, Isiaka addressed the frustrations of the border communities who had long been impacted by the restrictions on petroleum supply.
The lawmaker explained that the policy had caused severe economic hardship, particularly by increasing transportation costs and stifling local businesses, further marginalizing an already vulnerable population. However, he expressed optimism, stating: “Today, we are proud to announce that normalcy is gradually returning to our border communities."
He also praised President Tinubu for his empathy, describing the reopening of the five filling stations—two in Imeko, and one each in Ilara, Oja Odan, and Ohunbe—as a symbolic victory for the long-neglected people of the border communities. "This represents more than just a policy shift; it is a restoration of dignity, a rekindling of hope, and a step towards economic justice," Isiaka said.
Isiaka’s gratitude was extended to President Tinubu and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for their instrumental role in making this progress possible.
While celebrating the achievement, Isiaka urged fuel station operators and residents to act responsibly, ensuring the renewed trust is not misused. He concluded by reiterating his advocacy for the complete reopening of Nigeria’s borders, balancing national security concerns with the need for local prosperity.
