Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has defended the current cost of petrol in Nigeria, saying motorists in the United Kingdom pay the equivalent of more than ₦3,000 per litre.

Okpebholo made the statement on Thursday at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State, where he also expressed support for the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

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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. According to him, the price in the UK, after conversion to naira, was “about ₦3,000-something” per litre.

“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,” Okpebholo said.

He argued that the comparison showed Nigerians were paying less for petrol than motorists in the UK and described the Federal Government’s economic reforms as difficult measures that would eventually produce results.

Using an aircraft taking off as an analogy, Okpebholo said Nigerians should expect improvements as the reforms progress. “Very soon Nigeria will be on the cruising level,” he said, while also pointing to ongoing road construction as evidence of development.

Benin-Asaba Road

The governor spoke while backing the Federal Government’s intervention on the Benin-Asaba Road, a major highway linking Edo and Delta states that has deteriorated in several sections.

The event, tagged “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road,” was organised amid concerns over the condition of the highway and its impact on motorists and commuters.

Works Minister David Umahi has said temporary rehabilitation is expected to improve the road within four weeks, while the Federal Government plans to redesign the 136-kilometre dualisation project using reinforced concrete pavement.

2027 Presidency

Okpebholo also expressed support for President Tinubu’s continued stay in office ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“Is Aso Rock vacant? Is Aso Rock vacant? So Aso Rock is not vacant,” the governor said, while urging those planning to challenge Tinubu to reconsider their plans.

He also cited the Oba of Benin’s reported position that “you don’t change a working President,” and said he believed the ongoing economic reforms would eventually deliver improved conditions.