‘UK petrol costs over N3,000 per litre’, Okpebholo defends Tinubu’s reforms

Edo state governor, Monday Okpebholo, has defended the economic reforms being implemented by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, urging Nigerians to remain patient as the government works to stabilise the country’s economy.

Okpebholo said the reforms, although difficult and accompanied by economic pressures, would eventually position Nigeria for improved economic conditions and development.

The governor spoke on Thursday during the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State, where he also highlighted ongoing road construction and other infrastructure projects as evidence of government intervention across the country.

According to him, Nigerians should understand that the current economic difficulties are part of a transition that would eventually lead to a more stable economy.

Okpebholo: Nigeria will soon reach cruising level

Using an aircraft as an illustration, Okpebholo compared the current stage of Nigeria’s economic reforms to the take-off period of a flight.

He explained that passengers do not immediately receive the services they expect during take-off because safety procedures must first be completed before the aircraft reaches its cruising level.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The governor acknowledged that the reforms were difficult, but maintained that they were necessary to reposition the economy.

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

His comments come amid continued concerns over the cost of living, petrol prices and the impact of the Federal Government’s economic policies following the removal of the petrol subsidy.

Governor compares petrol prices in Nigeria, UK

Okpebholo also sought to put Nigeria’s petrol prices in perspective by comparing them with what motorists pay in the United Kingdom.

The governor said he recently travelled to London, where he decided to check the price of petrol after discussions about the cost of the commodity in Nigeria.

“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,’” he said.

According to Okpebholo, the price he observed in the UK, after conversion to naira, amounted to “about 3,000-something” per litre.

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

He used the comparison to argue that Nigerians were paying less for petrol than motorists in the UK.

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

The governor’s comments came as Nigerians continue to contend with fluctuations in petrol prices and broader increases in the cost of goods and services.

Okpebholo highlights road construction

Beyond the economy, the Edo governor pointed to infrastructure development as another area where he said the Federal Government’s efforts were visible.

He specifically referenced road construction projects across the country, including the use of concrete pavement on some major roads.

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

He made the remarks while speaking at an event focused on the Benin-Asaba Road, a major route linking Edo State with Delta State and serving motorists travelling between the two states.

The governor’s comments also reflected his broader support for the Tinubu administration and its economic direction.

Okpebholo said the reforms should be given time to produce their intended results rather than being judged solely by the immediate difficulties being experienced by citizens.

Governor backs Tinubu ahead of 2027

Okpebholo also used the occasion to express support for Tinubu’s continued presidency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor questioned those already preparing to challenge the President in the next presidential election.

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

He further referenced a statement attributed to the Oba of Benin, saying, “I agree with the Oba of Benin that said, ‘You don’t change a working President.’”

Okpebholo maintained that the reforms would eventually deliver better economic conditions and urged Nigerians to remain patient with the administration.

He also assured that Edo State would remain stable and properly managed beyond the current administration.

“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,” he said.