Prominent social commentator Isaac Fayose has sharply criticised the federal government over the recent surge in fuel prices in Nigeria.
Fayose expressed frustration over the rising costs of petrol, diesel, and kerosene, noting that the increases are intensifying the financial strain on everyday Nigerians.
In a post on his Instagram page, Fayose argued that Nigeria, as an oil-producing nation, should not be grappling with such fuel shortages if its refineries were operational.
He also dismissed claims that international conflicts, such as the Iran-US or Iran-Israel tensions, were responsible for the price hike. According to Fayose, the government bears the primary responsibility.
The commentator accused authorities of investing massive sums into refinery projects that have yet to yield results, highlighting a lack of accountability in the sector.
“Many fools are saying we cannot blame President Tinubu for our fuel going up, that we should blame America, Israel and Iran. That is a fat lie, fat lie. We are an oil-producing country. We have the crude oil here. They’ve spent our money on refineries. 210 trillion is still missing from our oil money.”
He further alleged that huge amounts of money were wasted on incomplete projects, contrasting this with the Dangote refinery, which was privately funded and fully operational.
Fayose warned that if the government fails to address accountability, fuel prices could soar to as high as ₦5,000 per litre. He also noted that the rising transportation costs are already driving up the price of food items.
“You don’t ask questions. The way we are going, be ready for 5,000 a litre. And the ripple effect, price of yam has gone up. Food are going up in the market because they need vehicles to bring them from farm to market.”
In his caption, Fayose urged citizens to hold the government accountable rather than blaming foreign countries.
“Blame yourself / APC government for this petrol price not Iran and America or Israel. APC government spent billions of dollars on our refineries and up till now they are not functioning. If our refineries are working we won’t be in this mess. Hold your government accountable!!!”
See post below:
View this post on Instagram
Read some comments below:
@prinxe_B:”The lack of a functioning refinery remains Nigeria’s most significant economic setback, and it is intellectually dishonest to lay the blame solely at the feet of the Tinubu administration. This crisis is a legacy of collective failure, spanning the tenures of Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari.”
@DE_ANDREW_J:”If anything goes wrong in the country the president should be blamed not anybody else talk more hike in fuel price, we should ask ourselves is Nigeria not generating it’s own crude? Ain’t we refining our own fuel? Then why are we now buying it at this outrageous amount?”
@idris_senator:”Isaac Fayose has a point. Nigeria is an oil-producing country, so many Nigerians find it difficult to accept that fuel prices keep rising while the nation sits on abundant crude oil.”
@oluwachelsea:”America mines over 10million barrels per day yet their fuel increased to 8dollars per gallon. Lets critize constructively. The increase in fuel affect every part of the world not just Nigeria.”