A fuel crisis is deepening in Nigeria’s border communities as over 400 petrol stations remain shut due to government restrictions aimed at curbing smuggling. While the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) insists the closures will continue, independent marketers are decrying massive revenue losses and economic hardships in the affected areas.
The Federal Government ordered the closure of fuel stations within 20km of Nigeria’s borders in 2019 to prevent subsidized petrol from being smuggled into neighboring countries. This policy, reinforced under Operation Whirlwind, has intensified following severe fuel shortages in Niger Republic, where prices have skyrocketed to ₦8,000 per liter.
Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada reaffirmed on Monday that security agencies would sustain their crackdown on fuel smuggling, citing numerous recent seizures. “We are not giving room for smugglers. Apart from seizing illegal fuel, we are also prosecuting the kingpins,” he stated.
Marketers, however, argue that the prolonged shutdown is crippling businesses. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) called for the reopening of the stations, saying the policy has outlived its purpose, especially since Nigeria no longer subsidizes petrol.
“Now that subsidy is gone, the government should empower Customs for proper border checks rather than keeping these stations shut,” said IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike. He added that the shutdown has resulted in job losses and economic stagnation in border communities.
Efforts are reportedly underway to review the ban, with the National Security Adviser’s office working alongside the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. Meanwhile, Niger Republic’s sole refinery is struggling to meet domestic demand as it previously relied on Nigerian petrol to cover 50% of its supply.
As fuel shortages persist across the region, pressure mounts on authorities to strike a balance between national security and economic survival for businesses operating in Nigeria’s border towns.
