Fuel Scarcity Disrupts Ogun State Border Businesses

Fuel scarcity has crippled businesses in border towns of Ogun State, Nigeria, six years after former President Muhammadu Buhari's directive banned the supply of petroleum products to filling stations within 20 kilometers of Nigeria's land borders. This policy, aimed at curbing fuel smuggling, has led to significant hardships for residents and businesses in communities such as Ipokia, Imeko Afon, Yewa North, and Yewa South.

Although the federal government partially lifted the ban on March 18, 2020, and approved waivers for 66 filling stations, these measures have not sufficiently alleviated the crisis. Residents report transport costs tripling, with petrol prices soaring to between 1,300 and 2,000 Naira per liter in the black market.

The situation is expected to peak in 2024. Local leaders, including Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Oba Akintund Akinyemi, have called for the complete lifting of the ban, arguing that the current restrictions disrupt livelihoods and contribute to insecurity in border areas.