Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, saying Nigerians should be patient as the country works towards greater economic stability.
Okpebholo spoke on Thursday at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event in Edo State, where he also compared petrol prices in Nigeria with those in the United Kingdom.
According to the governor, the economic reforms currently being implemented are difficult but would eventually produce better results.
“What we are seeing in Nigeria today is a reform. And that reform that is ongoing is a very difficult one,” Okpebholo said.
Using an aircraft as an example, the governor explained that some benefits only become available after a plane reaches cruising altitude.
“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,” he said.
Okpebholo added that Nigeria would soon reach what he described as a “cruising level.”
Okpebholo compares petrol prices with UK
The Edo governor also spoke about the cost of petrol, recalling that he visited London the previous week and decided to compare fuel prices there with what Nigerians pay.
“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,’” he said.
“Let me tell you, after conversion, it’s about N3,000-something for one litre of fuel,” Okpebholo added.
Based on his comparison, the governor argued that petrol was relatively cheaper in Nigeria than in the UK.
“We are doing very well here. The President is stabilising the economy. He’s an economist,” he said.
His comments come amid continued concerns over petrol prices and the wider cost of living following the removal of fuel subsidy and subsequent changes in pump prices.
Governor backs Tinubu’s administration
Okpebholo also pointed to ongoing road construction and other infrastructure projects as evidence of government activity across the country.
“Look at the kind of roads that are being constructed today—concrete pavement all over Nigeria,” he said.
He further expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s continued administration ahead of the 2027 elections, questioning whether Aso Rock was vacant.
“Is Aso Rock vacant? Is Aso Rock vacant? So Aso Rock is not vacant,” Okpebholo said.
He also quoted the Oba of Benin as saying, “You don’t change a working President.”
Okpebholo maintained that the reforms would eventually improve conditions, while assuring that Edo State and Nigeria were being properly managed.
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.”
