Nigerians slam Okpebholo over N3,000 fuel price comment

Nigerians have criticised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over his comment on petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Okpebholo said Nigerians should consider themselves lucky because petrol sells for between N1,400 and N1,500 per litre in the country.

He compared the price with the UK, where he said a litre costs more than N3,000 after conversion to naira.

The governor made the comment while speaking at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State.

Okpebholo said he recently visited London and bought petrol with a friend to compare prices.

He also defended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The governor’s comment sparked criticism on social media, with many Nigerians questioning his comparison.

They argued that the comparison ignored differences in wages, purchasing power and living costs between both countries.

An Instagram user, @hakimizaki_01, questioned the basis for comparing petrol prices in Nigeria and the UK.

Another user, @trainritefitness, asked the governor to consider the average salaries of workers in both countries before comparing fuel prices.

The user also noted that Nigeria produces crude oil, while the UK imports much of its petroleum needs.

The Allied Peoples Movement also criticised the governor and called for his resignation.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the party described the comparison as “reckless and irresponsible.”

The APM said Okpebholo ignored the difference in purchasing power between Nigerians and Britons.

The party noted that Nigerian workers earn far less than their British counterparts while facing rising food, transport and housing costs.

It also accused the governor of trying to justify the hardship caused by rising petrol prices under the Tinubu administration.

Labour unionist Abayomi Idowu also condemned Okpebholo’s comment.

Idowu described the comparison as insensitive and provocative.

“How can anybody in his right senses compare the fuel price in Nigeria and the UK? Where do you even start the comparison?” he asked.

He said the government must consider workers’ incomes and living conditions when discussing petrol prices.

Idowu argued that Nigerian workers face far greater economic pressure than their British counterparts.

He also accused political leaders of becoming disconnected from the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians.