“Nigerians Are Enjoying”: Okpebholo Compares ₦1,400 Petrol With UK Price

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has sparked fresh discussion over petrol prices after comparing the cost of fuel in Nigeria with what motorists pay in the United Kingdom.

Speaking on Thursday at the Federal Government’s “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State, Okpebholo said he bought petrol during a recent trip to London and found that, after conversion, the price was above ₦3,000 per litre.

“Let me tell you, after conversion, it’s about ₦3,000-something for one litre of fuel,” the governor said.

Okpebholo used the comparison to argue that Nigerians currently buying petrol at around ₦1,400 per litre are paying less than motorists in the UK.

Current UK national-average data shows petrol at roughly £1.72 per litre, although prices vary between locations and filling stations.

“We are doing very well here. The President is stabilising the economy. He’s an economist,” Okpebholo said, referring to President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

The governor acknowledged that the reforms being implemented by the Federal Government have been difficult, but said he believed their benefits would become more visible with time.

He compared the reform process to an aircraft taking off, explaining that passengers do not immediately experience all the benefits of a flight until the aircraft reaches cruising altitude.

“I want to let you know, very soon Nigeria will be on the cruising level. Nigeria will be on a cruising level,” he said.

Advertisement

His comments came as petrol prices remain a major concern for Nigerian households and businesses. Reuters reported this week that petrol was selling at about ₦1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja and as high as ₦1,500 in parts of northern Nigeria amid renewed pressure from rising global oil prices.

Beyond the fuel-price debate, Okpebholo used the event to welcome the Federal Government’s intervention on the troubled Benin-Asaba Road, a major route linking Edo and Delta states.

The road has suffered significant deterioration, causing difficulties for motorists and prolonged delays along the corridor. The Federal Government has commenced emergency intervention works, while the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said the 136-kilometre road would ultimately be redesigned with reinforced concrete pavement.

Okpebholo also pointed to ongoing road projects across the country as evidence of infrastructure development under the Tinubu administration.

The governor further expressed support for Tinubu’s continued presidency ahead of the 2027 election, questioning why anyone would seek to replace the President at this stage.

“Is Aso Rock vacant? Is Aso Rock vacant? So Aso Rock is not vacant,” he said.

He also endorsed a position attributed to the Oba of Benin that Nigerians should not change a president whom he considers to be working.

The governor’s remarks combine two issues likely to remain prominent in Nigeria’s political and economic conversation ahead of 2027 — the impact of petrol prices and the government's ongoing economic reforms, alongside debates over the country’s political direction.