April 11, 2026 l By William Emma
President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the growing hardship caused by rising fuel prices in Nigeria, but insisted that citizens are still better off compared to those in Kenya and other African countries facing similar economic pressures.
Speaking during the inauguration of key infrastructure projects in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the president admitted that the surge in petrol costs has significantly affected Nigerians, stating that “the fuel prices are biting hard.
Despite this, Tinubu urged citizens to remain hopeful, arguing that Nigeria’s situation is relatively better when compared to economic conditions in other parts of Africa. “Let’s just thank God together that you are better off… than those in Kenya and other African countries,” he said.
Fuel prices in Nigeria have risen sharply in recent months, with reports indicating pump prices reaching about ₦1,300 per litre. The increase has been linked to global market disruptions, including tensions involving U.S. and Israeli military actions affecting oil supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The president attributed part of the economic strain to global factors beyond Nigeria’s control, describing the situation as the result of “an interrelated world” where international conflicts directly impact domestic economies.
Tinubu also reiterated that his administration is working to ease the burden on vulnerable Nigerians, promising to review economic measures in collaboration with finance and planning authorities to provide relief where possible.
Since assuming office in 2023, Tinubu’s government has implemented major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies—a move widely credited with stabilizing public finances but also blamed for triggering a steep rise in fuel and transportation costs nationwide.
The president’s remarks come amid continued public concern over the rising cost of living, as many Nigerians grapple with increased expenses for transportation, food, and basic services. While the government maintains that reforms are necessary for long-term economic stability, critics argue that immediate relief measures are needed to cushion the impact on ordinary citizens.
As fuel prices remain volatile and global uncertainties persist, Tinubu’s comments highlight the delicate balance between economic reform and public hardship in Africa’s largest economy.