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The member of the House of Representatives for Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, Gboyega Isiaka, has commended President Bola Tinubu for removing restrictions on the sale and supply of petroleum products to communities located within 20 kilometers of the border with the Republic of Benin.
Isiaka stated that while the recent removal of sanctions, which had been in place for six years under President Muhammadu Buhari, will permit only five filling stations to function in four border towns—Imeko, Ilara, Oja Odan, and Ihunbe—the magnanimity shown by President Tinubu has greatly benefitted the communities in his Federal Constituency.
He shared this information in a statement released on Monday by his media aide, Femi Peters.
The statement detailed that the lifting of the restriction was the outcome of Isiaka's continuous dialogues with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, as well as his advocacy for the reversal of the policy during sessions in the House of Representatives in Abuja.
According to the statement, one of the critical initiatives undertaken was the recent oversight visit on April 9, 2025, where Hon. Isiaka participated with the House Committee on Customs and Excise on a fact-finding mission to the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in Idiroko, alongside other significant NCS operations in Zone A.
During this visit, he addressed the persistent frustrations of communities concerning the six-year ban on petroleum product supply within a 20-kilometer radius of the border.
The lawmaker noted that the policy had created significant economic difficulties for already vulnerable populations, greatly increasing transportation costs, hindering local businesses, and further marginalizing the residents.
Isiaka expressed that “Today, we take pride in announcing that normalcy is gradually returning to our border communities. Thanks to our ongoing engagement and the receptive attitude of leaders at the highest levels, five petrol stations—two located in Imeko, and one each in Ilara, Oja Odan, and Ihunbe—have now received approval to commence fuel sales.
This, for us, is more than an adjustment in policy; it symbolizes a restoration of dignity, a revival of hope, and progress towards economic justice for the overlooked people in our border communities.
On behalf of the good people of Yewa North/Imeko-Afon, we extend our sincere gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his leadership and compassion, and to the management of the Nigerian Customs Service, headed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose collaboration has been essential in achieving this progress.”
While celebrating this positive development, Isiaka has also urged all fuel station operators and residents to act responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
He remarked, “Let us ensure that this renewed trust is not betrayed, as we continue to push for the complete reopening of our borders in a way that harmonizes national security with local prosperity.”
