Senate President Highlights Progress in Fuel Supply Under Tinubu Administration
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made a striking claim regarding Nigeria's recent fuel crisis, stating that there was a time when Nigerians were prepared to pay as much as N10,000 per litre for petrol, yet the product remained unavailable. This assertion comes amid ongoing public debates over fuel prices, economic challenges, and the cost-of-living pressures facing citizens across the nation.
Significant Improvement in Fuel Scarcity Noted
Akpabio emphasized that Nigeria has witnessed a substantial shift from the days of severe fuel scarcity, where motorists would spend hours in long queues at filling stations without success. He pointed out that since the current administration took office, such extensive queues spanning three to five kilometers have become a thing of the past. The Senate President attributed this improvement to the economic reforms implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he said are beginning to deliver tangible results in the petroleum sector.
Akpabio urged Nigerians to remain patient with the administration, highlighting that the reforms are necessary steps toward achieving long-term economic stability. He expressed confidence that the benefits of these policies will become more evident over time, as the government continues to work on stabilizing the fuel supply chain and addressing broader economic issues.
Collaboration with Private Investors Boosts Local Refining
The former Akwa Ibom state governor detailed how the Tinubu administration's collaboration with private investors has helped boost local refining capacity, reduce dependence on imports, and stabilize fuel supply. "For the first time, we are producing what we consume and consuming what we produce. We are even exporting to other countries," Akpabio stated, underscoring the progress made in the downstream sector.
He explained that government policies aimed at liberalizing the downstream sector and encouraging private sector participation have been instrumental in this transformation. By fostering an environment where private investors can thrive, the administration hopes to ensure a more reliable and efficient fuel distribution system, ultimately benefiting consumers and the economy at large.
Economic Challenges and Border Town Fuel Prices
Despite these positive developments, Akpabio acknowledged the persistent economic challenges, including inflation and cost-of-living pressures. He called on Nigerians to take a longer-term view of the government's policies, emphasizing that the reforms are designed to create a more sustainable economic framework.
In related news, border communities in Nigeria are facing skyrocketing petrol prices, with reports indicating costs ranging from N1,300 to N1,400 per litre. This surge is attributed to high demand, poor logistics, and smuggling activities, which have led to extortion by fuel sellers in areas like Ogun border regions. Residents have called for urgent intervention to address this crisis, highlighting the need for improved security and logistics to curb smuggling and stabilize prices in these vulnerable areas.
Government Justifies Petrol Price as Lower Than Global Average
Meanwhile, the federal government has justified Nigeria's petrol price, stating that it is about 50% lower than the global average. Following the removal of subsidies, petrol prices rose significantly, but officials argue that they remain comparatively lower than in many other countries. The government also pointed to the Naira-for-crude policy as a key factor in shifting Nigeria toward exporting refined products, further supporting the nation's economic stability and energy independence.
Akpabio's remarks were made during a recent address on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as reported by Daily Trust. He reiterated the administration's commitment to continuing reforms that will enhance the petroleum sector and overall economic resilience, urging citizens to support these efforts for a brighter future.
