Reps seek police deployment to reopen fuel stations in conflict areas

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has called on the Nigeria Police Force to restore security presence in conflict-affected communities to enable the reopening of petrol and gas stations shut down due to insurgency.

Committee chairman Ikenga Ugochinyere appealed during a visit to police headquarters, where he presented findings from an oversight assessment of downstream petroleum operations. He said several fuel and cooking gas distribution outlets in war-torn communities have remained closed for between five and ten years due to persistent fears of attacks.

According to Ugochinyere, the prolonged shutdown of these facilities has worsened access to energy in rural communities already struggling to recover from years of insecurity. He explained that the absence of functioning fuel stations has disrupted transportation, slowed economic activity, and left farmers and local businesses stranded.

He noted that the closure of rural police stations contributed significantly to the problem, arguing that restoring police presence would rebuild confidence and encourage businesses, including fuel station operators, to resume operations.

Lawmakers warn insecurity has shut fuel stations for up to a decade

Ugochinyere stressed that insecurity in affected regions has triggered broader economic isolation, limiting mobility and cutting off communities from essential services. He said the reopening of police stations and fuel outlets is critical to restoring economic life and supporting recovery efforts.

He urged the police to prioritise the reopening and protection of rural police posts and petroleum facilities, especially as the country prepares for future elections. He also proposed the creation of a dedicated petroleum downstream coordination desk within the police to improve intelligence sharing, strengthen security responses, and ensure better protection of critical energy infrastructure.

The lawmaker added that security in the downstream petroleum sector goes beyond infrastructure protection, describing it as essential to restoring dignity, economic opportunity, and stability in affected communities.

Police pledge stronger protection for oil and gas infrastructure nationwide

Responding, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun said the police had intensified intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration to safeguard oil and gas infrastructure across the country.

Egbetokun acknowledged that threats to petroleum facilities continue to evolve and emphasised the importance of improved funding and legislative support to sustain security operations. He described the protection of downstream oil and gas assets as critical to preserving national revenue, ensuring job security, and maintaining a stable fuel supply nationwide.

He assured lawmakers of the police force’s commitment to professionalism and cooperation, expressing readiness to deepen collaboration with the National Assembly to strengthen the security of petroleum infrastructure.

Persistent insecurity in parts of Nigeria has forced the closure of rural police posts and fuel stations, slowing economic recovery and limiting access to energy in communities emerging from insurgency. Lawmakers now hope that restoring police presence will help revive commercial activity and rebuild confidence in these fragile regions.

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