“Nigerians Should Not Be Made To Bear The Cost Of Govt’s Inability To Secure Its Borders – Makinde

According to a report by Vanguard on Friday, September 4, 2026, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has weighed in on the ongoing debate over fuel subsidy ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that Nigerians should not be forced to pay higher prices for petroleum products because the Federal Government has failed to effectively secure the country’s borders against smuggling.

Makinde raised the issue in his newsletter on Thursday, questioning the manner in which the petroleum pricing debate has continued to be presented to Nigerians.

He argued that the burden arising from weaknesses in border control should not be transferred to ordinary citizens through increased fuel prices.

The governor’s position comes amid renewed political discussions over the cost of petroleum products and the impact of subsidy policies on Nigerians.

The issue is expected to remain an important subject in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, with political leaders offering different views on how the country should manage the downstream petroleum sector.

Makinde questioned the argument that Nigerians should bear higher fuel costs as a way of addressing challenges associated with the movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.

He maintained that the government has a responsibility to secure the nation’s borders and prevent illegal activities such as fuel smuggling.

The Oyo governor said the inability of the government to adequately control the country’s borders should not become a reason for Nigerians to shoulder additional costs.

He stressed that citizens should not be made to pay more for petroleum products because of shortcomings in the government’s border security efforts.

He said, “Nigerians should not be made to bear the cost of government’s inability to secure its borders.”

COURTESY: Liveonsky