Edo Governor Compares Nigeria Fuel Prices to UK, Says Nigerians 'Enjoying' Current Rates

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has compared petrol prices in Nigeria to the United Kingdom, stating that fuel costs over N3,000 per litre in the UK after currency conversion, and arguing that Nigerians should not complain about domestic prices. Speaking at the "Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road" event on Thursday, Okpebholo said he visited London the previous week and checked fuel prices at a filling station to make the comparison. He claimed that at prevailing exchange rates, UK petrol costs approximately N3,000 per litre, while Nigerian prices range from about N1,300 to N1,450 per litre depending on location. "We are doing very well here," he stated, adding that the comparison demonstrates Nigeria's fuel affordability relative to international standards.

The governor framed the remark within the context of broader economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, describing the current economic restructuring as difficult but necessary. Using an aircraft analogy, Okpebholo said Nigeria was undergoing necessary belt-tightening measures—comparing the situation to an aircraft taking off, where passengers do not receive meals until cruising altitude is reached. He praised Tinubu as an economist and expressed support for technocratic leadership, stating: "Our president is not a supermarket man. Let supermarket people wait for their time to rule Nigeria, if technocrat is not here again, then they will come." The governor also endorsed the president's continued leadership, noting that those planning to challenge Tinubu in 2027 should reconsider, adding that "Aso Rock is not vacant."

The statement has generated debate on social media, with critics arguing that the nominal price comparison does not account for differences in purchasing power and income levels between the two countries. Nigeria's national minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month, meaning a worker earning minimum wage could purchase approximately 50 litres of petrol at N1,400 per litre using an entire month's salary. In contrast, the UK National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and above is £12.71 per hour as of April 2026, allowing a full-time worker earning around £2,000 monthly to afford more than 1,100 litres of petrol at £1.74 per litre before other expenses. As of September 24, UK petrol prices averaged approximately £1.74 per litre, equivalent to more than N3,000 at prevailing exchange rates of roughly N1,750–N1,800 to the pound.