The fuel crisis in Niger Republic has intensified as over 400 petrol stations in Nigerian border communities remain closed under government directives aimed at curbing smuggling. Despite mounting concerns from independent marketers over financial losses, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the stations shut.
Nigeria’s Border Fuel Ban and Its Impact
For nearly four years, petrol stations in border towns have been out of operation following the Nigerian government’s 2019 directive to prevent subsidized fuel from being smuggled into neighboring countries. The ban, introduced under former President Muhammadu Buhari, prohibits fuel supply within a 20-kilometer radius of Nigeria’s borders with Niger, Benin, Cameroon, and Chad.
In response to rising concerns, the NCS on Monday reiterated its stance on sustaining Operation Whirlwind, an enforcement initiative targeting fuel smuggling networks.
Customs Insists on Crackdown as Fuel Prices Soar in Niger
The situation in Niger Republic has worsened in recent weeks, with petrol prices skyrocketing to as high as N8,000 per litre. The surge has raised fears of renewed smuggling, prompting Nigerian authorities to tighten border security further.
Speaking in an interview with PUNCH, NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada emphasized that the agency remains committed to its crackdown.
“You can see us everywhere seizing smuggled fuel in Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Seme. If there’s any successful operation, it’s this one. We will not allow fuel to leave Nigeria illegally,” he stated.
Maiwada added that major fuel smuggling networks are being prosecuted, including suspects currently facing trial in Adamawa.
When asked if the closed filling stations in border towns would be reopened, his response was firm: “Yes, they remain shut.”
Petrol Marketers Demand Reopening of Border Stations
The prolonged closure has sparked frustration among independent petroleum marketers, who argue that their businesses have been crippled by the government’s ban.
Chinedu Ukadike, National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), voiced concerns over the continued restrictions.
“More than 400 stations have remained shut since the ban was imposed. Their owners have been unable to operate for years. However, we understand that the National Security Adviser’s office is working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to address the issue,” Ukadike explained.
He also questioned the legal authority of the Customs Service to enforce the ban, stating that under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Customs is not empowered to shut down petrol stations.
“What they are authorized to do is impound trucks illegally crossing the border, not seal filling stations,” he argued.
Nigeria Approves Emergency Fuel Supply to Niger Republic
As the fuel shortage in Niger deepens, the country’s government has turned to Nigeria for assistance. Despite diplomatic tensions, Nigeria recently approved the supply of 300 fuel trucks to Niger in an attempt to ease the crisis.
According to Maazou Oumani Aboubacar, Commercial Director of Niger’s state-owned oil company Sonidep, Nigeria was previously a major fuel source for Niger.
“The fuel that came into Niger Republic illegally from Nigeria accounted for up to 50% of our market supply, particularly in border regions,” Aboubacar revealed.
However, Nigeria’s fuel subsidy removal in 2023, coupled with stricter border controls, has cut off Niger’s primary fuel supply, leaving the country struggling to meet demand.
Uncertain Future for Nigeria-Niger Fuel Trade
With Nigerian authorities maintaining their hardline stance on border fuel supply, the future remains uncertain for independent marketers and Niger’s energy sector. While discussions are ongoing, marketers continue to push for policy revisions, arguing that reopening border stations under strict regulatory oversight would be a more sustainable solution to curbing smuggling while supporting economic stability.
