Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that Nigerians are still paying less for petrol than motorists in the United Kingdom.
Okpebholo made the comparison on Thursday while speaking at the Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road event in Edo State, where he addressed concerns over fuel prices and the condition of the major highway linking Edo and Delta states.
The governor said he visited London the previous week and decided to compare petrol prices after discussing the cost of fuel with a friend. When we complained about the 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.
He added: Let me tell you, after conversion, it’s about ₦3,000-something for one litre of fuel.
Official UK government data confirms that petrol prices have risen sharply in September. The weekly average for unleaded petrol reached 168.14 pence per litre for the week beginning September 14, 2026, with the dataset updated on September 22.
Recent UK reporting has also put average petrol prices at about 170.54 pence per litre, although prices vary between locations and filling stations.
Defending the Federal Government’s economic direction, Okpebholo said Nigeria was making progress under Tinubu.
We are doing very well here. The president is stabilising the economy. He’s an economist,” the governor said.
He also expressed confidence in the future of both Edo State and Nigeria.
I want to let them know that Edo is in a safe hand. Nigeria is also in a safe hand,” he said.
Okpebholo further pointed to ongoing road construction projects as evidence of infrastructure development under the Tinubu administration, while supporting federal intervention on the deteriorating Benin-Asaba Road.
The Edo governor also used the occasion to express support for Tinubu’s continued presidency ahead of the 2027 general election.
Questioning those seeking to challenge the President, Okpebholo said: Is Aso Rock vacant? Is Aso Rock vacant? So Aso Rock is not vacant.
He also said he agreed with a position attributed to the Oba of Benin that “you don’t change a working President.”
Okpebholo’s remarks come as debate continues over petrol prices, the impact of economic reforms and the political direction of the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
