Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has said petrol costs more than ₦3,000 per litre in the United Kingdom, arguing that Nigerians are “doing very well” despite the current cost of the commodity.
Okpebholo spoke on Thursday at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Benin City, where the Federal Government commenced emergency intervention on the deteriorating highway.
The governor said he visited London the previous week and went to a filling station with a friend to compare petrol prices in the UK and 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.
Okpebholo said the comparison showed that Nigerians were paying less for petrol.
“We are doing very well here. The President is stabilising the economy. He’s an economist,” he said.
The governor’s comment comes amid continued concerns over the rising cost of petrol and its impact on transportation and household expenses.
Petrol prices have risen sharply in Nigeria in recent months amid higher global oil prices and supply pressures. The Federal Government removed the petrol subsidy in 2023, after which pump prices have been determined largely by market conditions.
Okpebholo defended the economic reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration, describing them as difficult but necessary.
“What we are seeing in Nigeria today is a reform. And that reform that is ongoing is a very difficult one,” he said.
He compared the reforms to an aircraft taking off, saying passengers do not receive food until the plane reaches cruising altitude.
“I want to let you know, very soon Nigeria will be on the cruising level. Nigeria will be on a cruising level,” he said.
The governor also pointed to road construction across the country as evidence of ongoing development under the Federal Government.
“Look at the kind of roads that are being constructed today—concrete pavement all over Nigeria,” he said.
Okpebholo spoke in support of the Federal Government’s intervention on the Benin-Asaba Road, which has deteriorated significantly and caused prolonged difficulties for motorists.
The Federal Government launched the emergency intervention on Thursday after the concession arrangement for the road broke down.
Minister of Works Dave Umahi said the immediate works were intended to restore failed sections of the highway, while the entire route would subsequently be redesigned for reconstruction with reinforced concrete pavement.
The governor also used the event to endorse President Bola Tinubu’s continued presidency ahead of the 2027 election.
“Is Aso Rock vacant? Is Aso Rock vacant? So Aso Rock is not vacant,” Okpebholo said.
He added that he agreed with the Oba of Benin’s position that, “You don’t change a working President.”
Okpebholo further said Nigeria would eventually reach what he described as a “cruising level” under the ongoing reforms.
He assured that Edo State and Nigeria were in “safe hands” and thanked those who attended the event for their concern over the Benin-Asaba Road.
