Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has said petrol is more expensive in the United Kingdom than in Nigeria, claiming that Nigerians are currently buying the commodity at a relatively lower price.
Okpebholo made the statement on Thursday at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State.
The governor said he visited London the previous week and decided to compare petrol prices in the UK with what motorists pay in Nigeria.
According to him, the cost of one litre of petrol in the UK comes to more than ₦3,000 after conversion.
He said the comparison showed that Nigerians were paying less for petrol, adding that the Federal Government’s economic policies were gradually stabilising the economy.
Okpebholo acknowledged that the ongoing economic reforms were difficult but argued that they would eventually produce positive results.
He compared the reforms to an aircraft taking off, explaining that passengers only receive certain services after the plane reaches cruising altitude.
The governor expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon reach what he described as a “cruising level” under the current reforms.
He also pointed to road construction projects across the country as evidence of ongoing development under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on the Benin-Asaba Road, Okpebholo expressed support for Federal Government efforts to rehabilitate the highway, which has deteriorated and caused difficulties for motorists travelling between Edo and Delta states.
The governor also voiced support for Tinubu remaining in office beyond the 2027 election, questioning whether the presidency was available for another occupant and citing the Oba of Benin’s reported comment about retaining a working president.
Okpebholo thanked participants at the event for their concern over the condition of the Benin-Asaba Road and expressed confidence in the future of Edo State and Nigeria.
