The recent statement by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, that Nigerians should rejoice because the petrol pump price per litre is between N1,400 and N1,500 has sparked public condemnation. Okpebholo compared petrol prices in Nigeria with those in the United Kingdom, arguing that Nigerians are lucky because a litre of fuel costs over N3,000 in the UK. He made the comments at the "Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road" event in Edo, citing his recent visit to London.
Okpebholo's comment came amid concerns over the cost of petrol and essential commodities following the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes in pump prices. In Nigeria, a litre of petrol sells for between N400 and N1,500, depending on the location. He noted that the economic reforms being implemented by the Federal Government are difficult but will eventually yield results, likening them to an aircraft taking off, where passengers do not receive food until the plane reaches cruising altitude.
The governor's statement did not go unchallenged, as Nigerians took to social media to criticize him. Many questioned the wisdom of comparing fuel prices in Nigeria and the UK without considering the minimum wage in both countries. They pointed out that the UK's higher fuel prices are offset by its higher minimum wage, which is significantly higher than Nigeria's.
The Allied Peoples Movement, APM, a major opposition party in Nigeria, has demanded Okpebholo's resignation as Edo State governor for justifying the high cost of fuel. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, said the hike in fuel prices is a recipe for disaster, especially given the economic burden on Nigerians.
The APM criticized Okpebholo for benchmarking petrol prices in Nigeria with the UK, where the purchasing power of an average wage earner is significantly higher. The party noted that while an average school teacher in Nigeria earns N70,000 or less, their counterpart in the UK takes a monthly starting salary of about £2,839.
The APM also pointed out that petrol prices in other oil-producing countries, such as Libya and Iran, are significantly lower than in Nigeria. The party described Okpebholo's comment as callous and capable of triggering widespread protests and a breakdown of law and order.
The party urged Nigerians not to despair, saying the 2027 presidential election offers the nation an opportunity to vote in a humane, transparent, people-based, and efficient leadership. Nigerians do not deserve the hardship being inflicted on them, the party said.
Key points
- Governor Okpebholo compared Nigeria's fuel prices to those in the UK without considering the countries' different minimum wages.
- The Allied Peoples Movement demanded Okpebholo's resignation for justifying the high cost of fuel.
- Petrol prices in Nigeria vary from N400 to N1,500 per litre, depending on the location.
