Former Aviation Minister, Chidoka Highlights Stark Reality Of Fuel Costs In Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – Chief Osita Chidoka, former Aviation Minister, has highlighted the exorbitant cost of fuel in Nigeria compared to the country’s minimum wage, raising concerns about the sustainability of economic growth and living standards.

In a statement shared on his verified X handle, Chidoka revealed that he spent ₦100,000 on fuel yesterday, nearly filling the tank of a Lexus 460 jeep.

This translates to a fuel cost of ₦1,140 per litre, significantly higher than Nigeria’s minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month.

Chidoka further illustrated the disparity: a minimum wage earner in Nigeria works approximately 2.6 hours to afford a single litre of petrol, while in Egypt, where fuel costs ₦443 per litre, an equivalent worker can buy a litre with only 21 minutes of work.

In South Africa, where fuel prices are significantly higher at ₦2,480 per litre, it takes 1 hour and 4 minutes to buy a litre, still much less than the 2.6 hours needed in Nigeria.

“Fuel prices in Nigeria may not be high by global standards, but it appears incomes are too low to sustain meaningful consumption,” Chidoka stated.

He called for a reevaluation of the country’s economic growth and production strategies, emphasising the need to address this stark disparity between fuel cost and earning power.

Chidoka’s statement underscores the pressing issue of affordability in Nigeria, highlighting the significant burden placed on ordinary citizens by the high cost of living, particularly in the face of low wages.

The comparison with neighbouring countries further emphasises the need for urgent action to address this imbalance and create a more equitable and sustainable economic landscape.