The acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, has said he would recommend to the Federal Government the need to lift the ban on fuel supply to border communities.
Adeniyi spoke during his working visit to the Idiroko border in Ogun State on Sunday, during which he hinted that the Nigeria Customs Service would seek a review of the fuel supply ban to border communities following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Monarchs in Ipokia Local Government Area had lamented the suffering of their subjects due to the lingering ban on fuel supply to towns that fall within a 20-kilometre radius of the border.
The traditional rulers said a litre of fuel is currently being sold for N1,000 per litre in their communities.
Responding, Adeniyi said: “This directive was given by the Office of the National Security Adviser. It was given before the removal of subsidy. So, now that subsidy has been removed, there should be a need for a review of that policy.”
He assured the people that he would “make appropriate recommendations and request a review of the policy.
“I am optimistic that we are going to have some positive reviews,” the acting Comptroller-General said.
In his welcome address, Customs Area Controller Bamidele Makinde applauded the acting Comptroller-General for the visit, saying it would serve as a morale booster and enhance the performances of the officers.
Bamidele assured Adeniyi of the command’s determination to fight smuggling and other acts sabotaging the nation’s economy across Ogun’s borders.