Fuel is N3,000/ltr in UK, we’re doing very well here – Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has defended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, urging Nigerians to remain patient as the government works to stabilise the economy.

Okpebholo spoke on Thursday at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State, where he described the ongoing reforms as difficult but necessary, saying their benefits would become more apparent once the economy reaches what he called a “cruising level.”

The governor used the take-off of an aircraft to illustrate his point, saying passengers do not receive certain services until the aircraft reaches cruising altitude.

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

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

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

He said he visited London the previous week and, while there, decided to check the price of petrol and compare it with what motorists pay 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.’

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

Based on the comparison, the governor argued 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.

His comments came amid continued public concerns over petrol prices and the wider cost-of-living pressures following the removal of petrol subsidy and subsequent changes in pump prices. Reports on the governor’s remarks also noted that the comparison was being made in nominal naira terms.

The governor also pointed to road construction as evidence of infrastructure development under the Tinubu administration.

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

Okpebholo was speaking in support of efforts to address the condition of the Benin-Asaba Road, a major highway connecting Edo and Delta states.

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

Addressing those preparing to challenge the President, he asked, “Is Aso Rock vacant? Is Aso Rock vacant? So Aso Rock is not vacant.”

He further endorsed a position he 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 economic reforms would eventually improve conditions in the country and expressed confidence in the management of both Edo State and Nigeria.

“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.

The governor’s remarks come as the Tinubu administration continues to defend its economic reforms, while Nigerians, labour organisations and opposition groups continue to debate their effects on petrol prices, household incomes and the broader cost of living.