Nigerians tackle Gov Okpebholo over N3000 fuel price comment
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has faced significant backlash following his recent remarks regarding petrol prices in Nigeria. Speaking at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event, Okpebholo suggested that Nigerians should be grateful for current petrol prices, which he claimed range between N1,400 and N1,500 per litre, highlighting that similar fuel costs in the United Kingdom exceed N3,000 per litre when adjusted for currency conversion.
During his comments, Okpebholo recounted a recent trip to London where he compared petrol prices. He asserted that the price for a litre of fuel in the UK was more than N3,000, arguing that Nigerians were more fortunate given their local prices.
His statements come amid ongoing public concern regarding the rising costs of petrol and other essential commodities following the withdrawal of the petrol subsidy in Nigeria. Current prices for a litre of petrol vary widely across the country, ranging from N400 to N1,500.
The governor acknowledged that the economic reforms initiated by the Federal Government, while challenging, are aimed at stabilizing the economy under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. He likened these reforms to an airplane taking off, suggesting that improvements would come once the country reached a stable economic altitude.
However, Okpebholo’s remarks ignited immediate criticism from the public. Many Nigerians took to social media to express their discontent, questioning the validity of his comparisons without considering the differences in minimum wage and purchasing power between Nigeria and the UK.
Critics highlighted that the UK’s average monthly salary greatly surpasses Nigeria’s minimum wage, which stands at N70,000. They argued that comparing fuel prices without acknowledging these broader economic contexts is misguided and insensitive.
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM), one of the opposition parties in Nigeria, has called for Okpebholo’s resignation, denouncing his comments as an attempt to justify high fuel prices. The party emphasized that such comparisons are reckless, given that the average wage in Nigeria bears little resemblance to that of the UK, where economic structures provide more support to citizens.
The APM statement criticized Okpebholo’s remarks as “callous,” saying that benchmarks like minimum wage and public transport systems are crucial considerations in such discussions. They further cautioned that comments like his could exacerbate public unrest amid rising economic hardships.
In a similar vein, labor unionist Abayomi Idowu described the governor’s comments as insensitive, highlighting the stark wage disparities that undermine any rationale for comparing fuel prices. He criticized the political elite’s disconnect with the everyday struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians.
As public discourse continues, many citizens are urging for greater accountability from their leaders, expressing a need for empathy in discussions surrounding economic challenges.
