The Federal Government has granted approval for the establishment of only two filling stations in communities located 20 kilometers from Nigeria’s border with Benin Republic in Ogun West.
The Acting Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idi-Iroko 1, Ahmadu Shuaib, made this announcement during a press conference held at the Idiroko state headquarters of the agency.
Numerous filling stations in the area had been closed since August 2019 when the Federal Government imposed a border closure with Benin Republic to curb the smuggling of petrol out of Nigeria and the influx of contrabands into the country.
Related News: FG Launches Initiative Io Include Almajiris In Homegrown School Feeding Programme
Saving Point Media on Wednesday, reported that the filling stations near the border, which were shut down, are now in a state of disrepair, with some of them being overtaken by weeds.
The Comptroller did not specify when the approved filling stations would commence operations.
However, he mentioned that further details would be communicated by the Federal Government.
He disclosed that the duty paid value of seized smuggled goods in October 2023 amounted to N398.4 million, with N30.4 million realized from the assessment and auctioning of seized petroleum products.
In the same month, the command seized 122 smuggled items, including 901 parcels of marijuana, 500 used vehicles, and 23 vehicles utilized for conveying contraband into the country.
Additionally, over 4,684 bags of 50-kilogram parboiled rice were intercepted during the review period.
You can also read: ADC Governorship Candidate Alleges N12.4 Billion Misappropriation in Lagos Mega City Project Consultancy Fees