Introduced in November 2019, the policy was aimed at curbing the smuggling of subsidised fuel to neighbouring countries and cutting off supply routes allegedly exploited by terrorists and bandits operating around border areas.

Findings show that the restriction has significantly affected communities across 15 states, forcing residents to travel long distances or rely on black marketers who sell fuel at inflated prices.

Ogun Border Communities Hit Hard

In Ogun, the ban has continued to strain economic activities in border local government areas such as Ipokia, Imeko Afon, Yewa North (formerly Egbado North) and Yewa South (formerly Egbado South).

Although the Federal Government partially relaxed the restriction in March 2020 by granting waivers to 66 filling stations in border communities, residents say the relief has been limited. The waiver, coordinated by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser, was meant to ease hardship after residents were compelled to travel far distances to purchase fuel.

Despite this measure, communities in Ogun State report continued suffering, especially during the 2024 fuel crisis, when black market prices reportedly soared as high as ₦2,000 per litre in some areas. Transportation fares also surged dramatically, with residents recounting paying as much as ₦3,000 for trips that previously cost under ₦800.

While petrol currently sells between ₦800 and ₦900 per litre at authorised stations in some communities, black market prices still hover around ₦1,200 per litre whenever supply shortages occur. Some areas, including Gbayi, reportedly remain without functional filling stations.

In May 2025, the Federal Government approved additional waivers for five petrol stations in Ogun border communities, following advocacy efforts by the lawmaker representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka. Residents described the move as a welcome relief but insisted it does not fully address the broader challenges.

Residents Decry Limited Access

Some locals argue that the limited number of operating stations has led to monopolistic practices, with allegations that certain outlets arbitrarily suspend sales. Reports indicate that residents sometimes sleep overnight at fuel stations to secure supply the next day.

In communities without active stations, such as Ijofin in Ipokia Local Government Area, residents reportedly spend up to ₦5,000 on transport just to purchase petrol elsewhere. Commercial transport fares have also risen sharply, increasing the cost of living.

Calls For Complete Lifting Of Ban

Traditional rulers and community leaders have joined calls for a total review of the restriction. The Eselu of Eselu Kingdom in Yewa North, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the policy, questioning why the ban remains in place despite the removal of fuel subsidy.

Human rights advocates have also weighed in. The National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Yinka Folarin, described the continued restriction as discriminatory and argued that it undermines residents’ socio-economic rights, particularly in areas with limited electricity supply where generators remain essential.

While the ban was introduced to combat smuggling, enforcement efforts continue. The NCS reported seizing over 190,000 litres of petrol in Ogun border communities within the past year, with multiple interceptions under “Operation Whirlwind.”

However, residents insist that strengthening border security would be more effective than restricting fuel access, arguing that the prolonged policy has led to business closures, job losses and worsening socio-economic conditions in affected communities.