Nigerian anger over border area petrol order

Residents of border communities in Nigeria have voiced concerns after customs officials suspended the supply of petrol to stations within 20km (12 miles) of its land borders.

The order was given amid concerns over fuel smuggling.

The BBC spoke to people living along the Nigeria-Niger Republic border about how the policy would affect them.

Quote Message: My question is: ‘Will stopping the sale of fuel along border areas stop the smuggling of the product?’ The customs personnel know about all the areas where fuel is smuggled out of Nigeria. They should just do their jobs and stop it on the border.” from Sada Soli, Kaita/Jibia Federal Constituency, Katsina state

My question is: ‘Will stopping the sale of fuel along border areas stop the smuggling of the product?’ The customs personnel know about all the areas where fuel is smuggled out of Nigeria. They should just do their jobs and stop it on the border.” Sada Soli, Kaita/Jibia Federal Constituency, Katsina state

Quote Message: We that live along the border are being told we’ll have to move inland by more than 20km just to buy fuel and return. So who is going to help us with the resources we need to travel up and down buying fuel?” from Alhaji Usman Giwa, Illea town, Sokoto state

We that live along the border are being told we’ll have to move inland by more than 20km just to buy fuel and return. So who is going to help us with the resources we need to travel up and down buying fuel?” Alhaji Usman Giwa, Illea town, Sokoto state

Quote Message: What will villagers, farmers and and those who use fuel to power their motorcycles do? All these people have to travel at least 20km to purchase fuel. The government should please not expose us to more hardship.” from Resident of Illea town, Sokoto state

What will villagers, farmers and and those who use fuel to power their motorcycles do? All these people have to travel at least 20km to purchase fuel. The government should please not expose us to more hardship.” Resident of Illea town, Sokoto state

Quote Message: Most people are facing a lot of economic challenges. I call on the customs authorities to look at the plight of Nigerians living along the border areas and reverse this measure.” from Nura Ado, Jigawa state
Most people are facing a lot of economic challenges. I call on the customs authorities to look at the plight of Nigerians living along the border areas and reverse this measure.” Nura Ado, Jigawa state

The move comes after Nigeria closed all of its land borders two months ago in a bid to tackle smuggling.

Bustling borders have since come to a standstill – and earlier this week President Muhammadu Buhari approved their continued closure until 31 January 2020.

The action was sparked largely by people smuggling rice into the country from neighbouring Benin.

Source: bbc.com