The Eselu of Eselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to lift ban on fuel restrictions to the border communities.

In August 2019, Nigeria closed its land borders with neighbouring Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. While people were allowed to pass through, the movement of goods was blocked.

And in November same year, the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Customs Service, has directed that petroleum products should not be supplied to fuel stations within 20km of the borders.

In Ogun State, the fuel restrictions have been taking tolls on border communities spread across five Local Government Areas.

Speaking during a press conference to mark his birthday remembrance held in Abeokuta, the first Class Oba, questioned why the government has not lifted the ban.

The monarch also weighed in on the lingering border closure along Nigeria's western corridor, which has severely impacted communities in his domain.

He said several efforts had been made to engage authorities on the issue, but with little result.

"They believe that petrol is being smuggled to Benin, Niger Republic and the rest, and that is affecting the economy. But that was initially, when there was subsidized fuel. Now, if the government says it has taken away subsidy, and we're buying at a high rate, why is the border still closed?"

He added, "Up till now the border is still closed--you can't even take five litres outside Nigeria, even the border communities within 20 to 25 kilometers. It's a common question, but nobody has given a clear answer."

The Eselu called for more responsive governance at the federal level to address the suffering of Nigerians, especially in border communities that are bearing the brunt of harsh economic policies.