Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said Nigerians are paying less for petrol than motorists in the United Kingdom following his recent visit to London.
Okpebholo made the statement on Thursday while speaking at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State, where he discussed the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms.
According to him, he and a friend visited a filling station in London to check the price of petrol, which he said amounted to “₦3,000-something” per litre after conversion to naira. He described the difference as evidence that Nigerians are currently benefiting from relatively lower petrol prices, while praising President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. Subsequently, he argued that Nigerians were “doing very well” with the prevailing domestic petrol price.
Okpebholo reiterated that the reforms were necessary to reposition the country’s economy, describing the current period as a foundation for future growth.
He also likened the economic situation to an aircraft taking off, saying Nigerians needed to remain patient as the country navigates the difficult phase of the reforms. The governor further expressed support for Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office in 2027, pledging Edo State’s backing for the President.
However, the comparison has attracted criticism, with opponents arguing that converting the UK petrol price directly into naira does not account for differences in income levels, purchasing power and living costs between the two countries.
Critics therefore argue that the nominal price of petrol alone may not provide a complete picture of affordability, as the proportion of income required to purchase a litre of fuel differs between economies.
His comments come amid renewed concerns over rising petrol prices in Nigeria. Recent reports have put petrol prices in parts of the country at around ₦1,400 to ₦1,500 per litre, following recent increases linked to higher global crude oil prices.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
