Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, arguing that Nigerians are paying less for petrol compared to residents of some developed countries, including the United Kingdom.
The governor made the remarks on Thursday during the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State, where he spoke on the state of the economy, ongoing reforms and infrastructure development under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Recalling a recent trip to London, Okpebholo said he decided to compare fuel prices in the UK with those 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.
According to the governor, the comparison showed that Nigerians were still buying petrol at a lower cost, despite concerns over rising prices following the removal of fuel subsidy.
“We are doing very well here. The President is stabilising the economy. He’s an economist,” he said.
Okpebholo described the ongoing economic reforms as difficult but necessary measures that would eventually yield positive results for the country.
“Because what we are seeing in Nigeria today is a reform. And that reform that is ongoing is a very difficult one,” he said.
Using an analogy, the governor compared the reform process to an aircraft taking off, saying benefits would become more visible once the country reaches stability.
“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. 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,” Okpebholo said.
The Edo governor also pointed to road construction projects across the country as evidence of ongoing development under the current administration.
“Look at the kind of roads that are being constructed today—concrete pavement all over Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, Okpebholo expressed support for President Tinubu’s continued leadership.
“Is Aso Rock vacant? Is Aso Rock vacant? So Aso Rock is not vacant,” Okpebholo said.
He added, “I agree with the Oba of Benin that said, ‘You don’t change a working President.’”
The governor maintained that both Edo State and Nigeria were in safe hands and expressed optimism that the country would reap the benefits of the ongoing reforms in the near future.
He said, “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.”
