Nigerians should not pay more for fuel over border smuggling, says Makinde
By Adejayan Gbenga
Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement, Seyi Makinde, has said Nigerians should not be forced to pay more for petroleum products because the Federal Government has allegedly failed to effectively secure the country’s borders against smuggling.
Makinde made the assertion in his newsletter on Thursday while questioning the manner in which the fuel pricing debate is being framed ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that the discussion should extend beyond whether the Federal Government should restore or maintain the removal of the petrol subsidy.
According to him, Nigerians should reject any argument that higher fuel prices are necessary to eliminate the price difference that makes the smuggling of petroleum products into neighbouring countries profitable, stressing that citizens should not bear the financial consequences of weak border control.
The governor, however, said the more fundamental issue was whether Nigeria, as an oil-producing country, had adopted an appropriate and transparent petroleum pricing framework, calling for greater disclosure of the factors used to determine pump prices.
He said such factors should include crude oil benchmarks, refining costs, exchange rates, logistics, distribution expenses, taxes and levies, adding that the information should be made publicly accessible and presented in a manner that enables Nigerians to understand why they pay the prices charged at filling stations.
Makinde further argued that the fuel pricing debate should form part of a broader conversation about reforming Nigeria’s systems and institutions, noting that poverty, limited economic opportunities for young people, insecurity and weak institutional performance had persisted despite changes in government and the introduction of various policies.
He said his proposed “Reset Nigeria” movement would seek to address the structural challenges responsible for the country’s persistent difficulties, while maintaining that the petroleum debate should focus on whether the current pricing system is suitable for Nigeria and allows citizens to derive a fair benefit from the nation’s natural resources.
Makinde also disclosed that the details of his proposed alternative would be unveiled in the coming weeks for Nigerians to scrutinise and assess, as he joins other presidential contenders in the debate over fuel subsidy policy.
