Ban on fuel sale hurting Ogun border communities — Lawmaker

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

Oyedele, popularly known as Citiside, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday, lamenting the hardship the policy has caused residents of border communities.

He described the restriction as “not only outdated but unjust and counterproductive to the economic survival of residents of Ogun West senatorial district.”

The lawmaker also called for the revival of the Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, a project initiated during the late stages of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s administration but left uncompleted.

He made the call during the inauguration of constituency projects across Ipokia Local Government, 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 over 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 petroleum products should not be supplied to fuel stations within 20km of the borders to safeguard the economy and prevent smuggling.

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 I am appealing to the Federal Government to immediately lift this outdated policy and give relief to our people.”

He described Ipokia Local Government as a land with immense economic potential, particularly as a gateway linking Ogun State to the West African corridor.

However, he lamented that the area continued to suffer neglect in infrastructure and connectivity.

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

He also renewed his call for the immediate take-off of the Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, calling it “a beacon of hope for our young people.”

“I have consistently raised this issue on the floor of the Assembly, and I am confident that Governor Dapo Abiodun will ensure that the take-off of the institution will be part of his enduring legacy. We must not rest until Ipokia Polytechnic comes alive,” he added.

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

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