Isaac Fayose, a Nigerian social commentator and businessman, has blamed the persistent rise in fuel prices in Nigeria on government corruption rather than international conflicts.

Fayose made the remark while reacting to public discussions linking fuel price increases to tensions in the Middle East, particularly between the United States, Iran, and Israel.

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According to him, the real issue lies within Nigeria’s political system.

“The fuel prices in Nigeria is not going up because of America or Iran/Israel. It is going up because of government corruption. Over $2 billion has been stolen so far by politicians in Nigeria,” Fayose said.

His statement has sparked debate online, with some Nigerians agreeing that mismanagement and corruption in the oil sector play a major role in the country’s fuel pricing challenges.

Nigeria, despite being one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, has long struggled with fuel supply issues, subsidy controversies, and refinery limitations, factors that analysts say contribute to the volatility in pump prices.

The comment comes amid continuing discussions about energy reforms, subsidy removal, and transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.