The House of Representatives has called on several federal ministries, including Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Agricultural Production and Food Security, Finance, Labour Employment and Productivity, and their relevant agencies, to prioritize Nigerian land border communities in the allocation and distribution of palliative measures aimed at alleviating the effects of high fuel prices and inflation.
This directive follows the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Give Consideration in the Provision of Palliative to Citizens in Nigeria Border Communities,” sponsored by Hon. Adegboyega Nasir Isiaka. The resolution mandates the Committees on Poverty Alleviation, Agricultural Production and Services, Finance, and Labour Employment and Productivity to monitor compliance and submit reports within four weeks for further legislative action.
The motion underscores the persistent difficulties faced by residents of border communities, highlighting the unresolved issue of the Nigerian Customs Service’s non-implementation of a July 11, 2023 resolution that called for the lifting of the ban on the movement of petroleum products within 20 kilometers of Nigeria’s borders. The ban, which remains in effect, has exacerbated the hardship faced by communities along the 4,050-kilometer land border.
While urban and semi-urban dwellers pay an average of N1,200 per litre for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), residents of border areas are forced to pay nearly N2,000 per litre, further straining local businesses and households. In addition to these inflated fuel prices, these communities continue to suffer from poor infrastructure and limited access to basic services.
The House has expressed concern that without urgent intervention from the federal government, the situation may worsen, further isolating these vulnerable populations.
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