NAIROBI, Kenya – Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has sparked debate following his remarks on the recent surge in fuel prices.
While acknowledging the strain it has placed on citizens in Nigeria, he claims the country is still ‘better off’ than Kenya and several other African nations.
Speaking during a visit to Bayelsa State, Tinubu admitted that rising fuel costs have significantly affected households and businesses across Nigeria but urged citizens to remain patient as the government works towards easing the pressure in the long term.
“The fuel price is biting hard, but look around. Let us thank God together that you are better off. Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries, what they are going through,” he said.
Tinubu emphasised that his administration would not reverse economic reforms, stating that the government is focused on long-term solutions to stabilise the economy and improve living standards.
“We will not look back,” he said, adding that the government would continue to find ways to cushion vulnerable groups affected by the rising cost of living.
The President reiterated that while the reforms may be painful in the short term, they are necessary to place Nigeria’s economy on a sustainable path and reduce dependence on costly fuel subsidies.
His remarks come amid a global surge in fuel prices driven by tensions linked to the Iran–U.S./Israel conflict, with both gasoline and diesel costs rising sharply across multiple countries.
