Fuel price: I’m standing with Nigerians – Atiku tackles Tinubu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has declared his solidarity with Nigerians amid the soaring fuel prices. In a statement, Atiku expressed shame on President Bola Tinubu's behalf, highlighting the stark contrast in fuel prices between Nigeria and other oil-producing nations in Africa.

Atiku pointed out that while nations like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Algeria, Angola, and the UAE have significantly lower fuel prices, Nigeria's citizens pay much more for petrol. For instance, Saudi Arabia sells petrol at around N778 per litre, while Nigeria's rate is roughly N1,400 per litre. Even countries with higher average incomes, such as the UAE, offer cheaper fuel compared to Nigeria.

Atiku also criticized Nigeria's position in the global human development rankings, which is lower than several of its oil-producing counterparts in Africa. He emphasized that the high fuel prices are not just a mere pump price debate but a pressing affordability scandal. A Nigerian earning the minimum wage of N70,000 would need to spend 80% of their entire monthly wage just to purchase 40 litres of petrol at the current price.

Atiku's statement underscores the plight of ordinary Nigerians who are disproportionately burdened by the high fuel prices, despite the country's status as one of Africa's major oil-producing nations.