Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over his position on fuel subsidy, arguing that Nigerians should consider petrol prices in neighbouring countries when assessing the cost of fuel in Nigeria....
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over his position on fuel subsidy, arguing that Nigerians should consider petrol prices in neighbouring countries when assessing the cost of fuel in Nigeria.
Speaking at an event, Shettima said he respected Obi but questioned what the former Anambra State governor had to offer beyond statistics.
“Mr Obi has absolutely nothing to offer,” the Vice-President declared.
Shettima also challenged critics of the government’s economic policies to consider the implications of fuel subsidy and the impact of cross-border smuggling on Nigeria’s finances.
Shettima compares regional petrol prices
The Vice-President compared petrol prices in Nigeria with those in Niger Republic, Benin Republic and Cameroon, citing figures which put the cost of a litre at approximately $0.85 in Niger, $1.28 in Benin Republic and $1.44 in Cameroon.
He put the Nigerian price at about ₦1,300 per litre, arguing that petrol remained cheaper in Nigeria than in some neighbouring countries despite the removal of the subsidy.
Shettima also referred to the shutdown of Cameroon’s only refinery, arguing that developments in the regional fuel market underscored the need to reassess Nigeria’s former subsidy regime.
‘We cannot be Father Christmas to Africa’
The Vice-President warned against returning to a system in which subsidised Nigerian petrol could be diverted to other countries through cross-border smuggling.
“Unless we want to revert back to the old status quo of Nigeria being the godfather or the Father Christmas of Africa, of Nigerian oil going as far as Central African Republic,” he said.
Shettima maintained that Nigerians should examine the broader economic implications of fuel subsidy rather than judge the policy solely by the pump price.
“You have to make informed decision,” he told his audience.
Fuel subsidy removal remains a contentious issue in Nigeria, with critics highlighting the rising cost of living and its effects on households and businesses, while the Federal Government has defended the policy as necessary to reduce public expenditure and address market distortions.
The exchange adds to the growing political debate ahead of the 2027 general elections, with economic management, petrol prices and the cost of living expected to remain key campaign issues.