Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent comparison of Nigeria’s fuel prices with those of other African countries, particularly Kenya.
The criticism follows Tinubu’s remarks urging Nigerians to be grateful, stating that despite rising fuel costs, the country is still better off than nations like Kenya.
Reacting through his spokesperson, Atiku argued that such comparisons are misleading if they ignore income levels. He pointed out that while fuel prices may be higher in Kenya, workers there reportedly earn significantly more—around ₦170,000 as minimum wage—compared to Nigeria’s current ₦70,000 benchmark.
He described the comparison as flawed, stressing that economic realities should be assessed holistically, not selectively.
Debate Highlights Cost of Living Crisis
The exchange has sparked fresh debate about Nigeria’s cost of living crisis, especially following the removal of fuel subsidies and rising inflation. Many Nigerians continue to struggle with higher transportation, food, and energy costs.
Analysts say Atiku’s argument reflects a broader concern: that purchasing power—not just fuel price—is the real measure of economic relief. Comparing pump prices across countries without factoring in wages, inflation, and living standards may not present the full picture.
Supporters of the government, however, argue that Tinubu’s reforms are necessary for long-term economic stability, even though they have caused short-term hardship.
The debate underscores growing public scrutiny of economic policies as Nigerians demand more relief measures and clearer communication from the government.
As fuel prices remain a sensitive issue, the back-and-forth between both leaders highlights the political and economic tensions shaping national discourse ahead of future policy decisions.
