Fuel Subsidy: Senators Wants Petrol Sold Across Borders

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday has urged the Federal Government to allow petroleum products be sold across the borders since fuel subsidy has been removed.

VerseNews Nigeria reports that according to the Senate, smuggling of the products have been curtailed after the discontinuation of subsidy on fuel.

In a motion sponsored by Senator Solomon Adeola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun West, the restrictions earlier placed on petroleum products and fertilisers were as a result of national security.

The Senate, however cautioned that since “petrol and fertiliser can be used to make improvised explosive devices, IED,” the federal government through the office of the national security adviser and Customs must take necessary steps before opening the borders.

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The Senate therefore, urged the Comptroller General of Customs and office of the National Security Adviser to allow the product through the border community calling on the federal government to monitor the corridors to ensure no threat to national security.

But in his ruling in the short consideration of the motion, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio said it was necessary “to take the issue of fertiliser on its own.

“Petrol can be allowed for now to pass through the borders but fertilizers, since it can be used for IEDs, the NSA and other relevant agencies would consider what’s appropriate.”