The Fuel We Are Saying Is Expensive, In Our Neighbouring Countries, It Cost 100 Percent More–Onanuga

A top aide to President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to be patient and understanding about fuel prices, arguing that citizens are comparatively fortunate compared to neighboring countries. He stated the new administration’s focus should be on improving overall prosperity and quality of life.

In comments reported by Vanguard newspaper, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said fuel costs much higher in nearby nations like Benin, Togo, Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

“Nigerians, we should say we are lucky. What we need to improve now in our country is to bring prosperity to our people,” Onanuga stated. “To see how government can enhance their earning power, how government can produce cheaper food or make available cheaper and affordable housing.”

The presidential aide’s remarks seem aimed at tempering public outcry over fuel subsidy reforms implemented this year that have led to a spike in prices at the pump. The policies have stoked widespread frustration and fears of knocking more Nigerians into economic hardship.

However, Onanuga argued that rather than focusing on fuel costs, the Tinubu administration should train its efforts on bolstering citizens’ incomes and lowering costs for basic necessities like food and shelter.

“I think I will sue for patience and understanding of Nigerians,” he said. “If you look around, if Nigerians look around, check what is happening in our neighbouring countries. We will really find that we are a lucky set of people, living in this geographical space.”

Onanuga’s call for perspective and prioritizing prosperity comes as the Tinubu government contends with numerous economic headwinds, including high inflation, debt servicing costs, currency weakness and disruptions to oil production – the nation’s economic lifeblood.

Whether his appeal for patience resonates with a public feeling the bite of higher fuel prices remains to be seen. But his comments suggest the administration sees improving incomes and affordability, rather than reversing fuel subsidy reforms, as the key to assuaging economic angst…..See More

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