Ogun Lawmaker Urges Tinubu to Lift Border Fuel Ban, Seeks Revival of Ipokia Polytechnic

The lawmaker representing Ipokia/Idiroko Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Bisi Oyedele, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to lift the Federal Government’s ban on the supply of petroleum products to communities located within 20 kilometres of Nigeria’s borders.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Oyedele, popularly known as Citiside, decried the severe hardship the policy has imposed on residents of border towns, describing the restriction as “outdated, unjust, and counterproductive to the economic survival of the people of Ogun West.”

The legislator made the call during the inauguration of several constituency projects across Ipokia Local Government Area, which was attended by the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, other lawmakers, traditional rulers, political leaders, and community stakeholders.

Projects commissioned during the event included the renovated Primary Health Centre in Iporan, a block of three classrooms each at IPLG Primary Schools in Ijofin and Ojuroko, Idiroko, as well as four motorised boreholes located in Ihunbo, Vatipa, Ibatefin, and Oniro-Agude communities.

Oyedele noted that the border fuel restriction—introduced in November 2019 by the Nigeria Customs Service to curb smuggling—had failed to achieve its purpose and instead inflicted unnecessary suffering on law-abiding citizens.

“This 20-kilometre petroleum restriction has outlived its usefulness. Rather than stopping smuggling, it has punished residents who can no longer access fuel for their vehicles, businesses, and homes. I am appealing to the Federal Government to lift this outdated policy and bring relief to our people,” he stated.

The lawmaker also emphasized the economic potential of Ipokia as a vital gateway linking Ogun State to the West African corridor, lamenting the region’s continued neglect in infrastructure and connectivity.

He urged both the federal and state governments to expedite action on the proposed Ipokia–Badagry Link Bridge, describing it as an “economic lifeline” that would boost trade between Ogun, Lagos, and neighbouring West African countries.

Additionally, Oyedele renewed his call for the immediate take-off of Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia—a project initiated during former Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s administration but left unfinished.

“I have consistently raised this matter on the floor of the Assembly, and I am confident that Governor Dapo Abiodun will ensure the institution’s take-off as part of his enduring legacy. We must not rest until Ipokia Polytechnic becomes a reality,” he affirmed.

Oyedele commended Governor Abiodun for his people-oriented leadership and also praised Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) for his continuous support for Ogun West, describing him as “a visionary leader whose impact cuts across all sectors.”

In their goodwill messages, royal fathers and community leaders applauded Oyedele’s humility, accessibility, and commitment to development, noting that his tenure has rekindled public trust in political representation.