Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has said Nigerians should not pay more for petroleum products because the Federal Government has failed to secure the country’s borders against smuggling.
Makinde stated this in his newsletter on Thursday while weighing in on the debate over fuel subsidy ahead of the 2027 elections.
He questioned the way Nigeria’s petroleum pricing debate has been presented, saying the government should focus on securing its borders instead of making Nigerians pay more for petrol.
‘We should also reject the argument that Nigerians must pay more for petroleum products simply to eliminate the price difference that makes smuggling into neighbouring countries profitable,’ Makinde said.
‘Nigerians should not be made to bear the cost of government’s inability to secure its borders,’ he added.
According to him, the debate should not be limited to whether fuel subsidy should return or remain removed.
‘For years, the debate in Nigeria has largely been presented as a choice between subsidising petroleum products or allowing Nigerians to pay the full market price. I believe we are asking the wrong question. The more important question is: what is the right pricing framework for an oil-producing country like Nigeria?’
Makinde said Nigerians should have access to information on how the price of petrol is determined.
Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has said Nigerians should not pay more for petroleum products because the Federal Government has failed to secure the country’s borders against smuggling.
Makinde stated this in his newsletter on Thursday while weighing in on the debate over fuel subsidy ahead of the 2027 elections.
He questioned the way Nigeria’s petroleum pricing debate has been presented, saying the government should focus on securing its borders instead of making Nigerians pay more for petrol.
‘We should also reject the argument that Nigerians must pay more for petroleum products simply to eliminate the price difference that makes smuggling into neighbouring countries profitable,’ Makinde said.
‘Nigerians should not be made to bear the cost of government’s inability to secure its borders,’ he added.
According to him, the debate should not be limited to whether fuel subsidy should return or remain removed.
‘For years, the debate in Nigeria has largely been presented as a choice between subsidising petroleum products or allowing Nigerians to pay the full market price. I believe we are asking the wrong question. The more important question is: what is the right pricing framework for an oil-producing country like Nigeria?’
Makinde said Nigerians should have access to information on how the price of petrol is determined.