Fuel is N3,000/litre in UK, Nigeria is doing well — Okpebholo backs Tinubu reforms

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying the measures will eventually move the country’s economy to a “cruising level.”

The governor spoke on Thursday during the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State, where he defended the Federal Government’s economic policies and said the current reforms were difficult but necessary.

“…What we are seeing in Nigeria today is a reform. And that reform that is ongoing is a very difficult one,” Okpebholo said.

He likened the reform process to an aircraft taking off, explaining that the benefits would become more apparent once the economy stabilises.

“I make an illustration. When a plane is taking off, do you see them serving food? Do you see air hostesses serving food in the plane? They will never give you food until that seatbelt is released. That means on a cruising level. That is when they will start serving food.

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

Okpebholo further sought to justify the current petrol prices by comparing the cost of fuel in Nigeria with what he said he encountered during a recent trip to the UK.

“When we complained about cost of petrol, I was in London last week. I told my friend, ‘Let’s go and buy fuel just to know the cost of fuel between Nigeria and England.’

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

He argued that the comparison showed that petrol was relatively cheaper in Nigeria.

“We are doing very well here. The President is stabilising the economy. He’s an economist,” Okpebholo said.

The governor’s comments come amid ongoing public concerns about petrol prices and the rising cost of living following the removal of fuel subsidy and subsequent pump-price adjustments.

He also highlighted road construction as evidence of increased infrastructure development under the current administration.

“Look at the kind of roads that are being constructed today—concrete pavement all over Nigeria,” he said.

Turning to the 2027 political contest, Okpebholo questioned whether the presidential seat was available for a change of occupant.

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

The governor further endorsed the position attributed to the Oba of Benin, saying, “I agree with the Oba of Benin that said, ‘You don’t change a working President.’”

Okpebholo said the reforms would ultimately produce better conditions and maintained that both Edo State and Nigeria were being properly managed.

He said, “That means even when Asiwaju leaves, whoever President that comes in the future after his… I want to let them know that Edo is in a safe hand. Nigeria is also in a safe hand.”

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