Lawmaker: Fuel Sales Ban Harming Communities Along Ogun Border

The member representing Ipokia/Idiroko constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Bisi Oyedele, has called on President Bola Tinubu to lift the ban on supplying petroleum products to communities within 20 kilometres of Nigeria’s borders.

Oyedele, popularly known as Citiside, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday, highlighting the hardships the policy has caused residents in border areas. He described the restriction as “outdated, unjust, and counterproductive to the economic survival of residents in Ogun West senatorial district.”

The lawmaker also renewed calls for the revival of the Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, a project initiated in the later years of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s administration but left unfinished. He made the remarks during the inauguration of several constituency projects across Ipokia Local Government, which was attended by the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, other lawmakers, political leaders, royal fathers, and community stakeholders.

The inaugurated projects included the renovated Primary Health Centre, Iporan; a three-classroom block at IPLG Primary Schools in Ijofin and Ojuroko, Idiroko; and four motorised boreholes in Ihunbo, Vatipa, Ibatefin, and Oniro-Agude.

Speaking at the event, Oyedele noted that the restriction, introduced more than five years ago to curb smuggling, had become a source of suffering for law-abiding residents. He recalled that in November 2019, the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Customs Service, directed that fuel should not be supplied to stations within 20 km of the borders to safeguard the economy.

“This 20 km petroleum restriction has lost its purpose. Instead of stopping smuggling, it has punished residents who can no longer access fuel for their vehicles, businesses, and homes. I am appealing to the Federal Government to lift this outdated policy and provide relief to our people,” Oyedele said.

He described Ipokia Local Government as a region with significant economic potential, especially as a gateway linking Ogun State to the West African corridor, but lamented its neglect in infrastructure and connectivity.

Oyedele also urged the federal and state governments to fast-track the Ipokia–Badagry Link Bridge, calling it “an economic lifeline that will boost commerce between Ogun, Lagos, and neighbouring West African nations.”

He reiterated the need for the immediate take-off of Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, calling it “a beacon of hope for our youth” and expressed confidence that Governor Dapo Abiodun would ensure the project becomes part of his enduring legacy.

Oyedele praised Abiodun for his people-oriented leadership and enabling environment that allows lawmakers to deliver meaningful projects, and also commended Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) for his ongoing support for Ogun West, describing him as “a visionary leader with far-reaching impact across all sectors.”

In their goodwill messages, royal fathers and community leaders lauded Oyedele’s accessibility, humility, and commitment to development, noting that his tenure has restored public confidence in political representation.