Petrol at ₦1,400: Nigeria Is Producing Oil but Importing Hardship

Nigeria is an oil-producing country with Africa’s largest refinery.

Yet petrol is reportedly selling for as much as ₦1,400 per litre.

Something about that should make every Nigerian uncomfortable.

I understand that global crude prices affect the cost of petroleum products. Nigeria cannot completely isolate itself from international markets.

But citizens were repeatedly told that domestic refining would make the country less vulnerable to external price shocks.

So where is that protection?

When petrol rises, transport fares follow. Farmers pay more to move food. Businesses spend more on logistics and generators. Families eventually pay more for almost everything.

The government may earn additional revenue from expensive crude oil, but ordinary

Nigerians experience the same development as another financial punishment.

Mr President should explain what practical measures will prevent this increase from spreading across the economy.

Nigeria does not necessarily need a return to an unlimited fuel subsidy. But it does need functioning public transport, reliable domestic supply, accessible alternatives such as CNG and targeted support for the most vulnerable households.

A country should not celebrate higher oil revenue while its citizens cannot afford to travel to work.

The real success of Nigeria’s petroleum reforms will not be measured by refinery capacity or government earnings.

It will be measured by whether Nigerians can still afford to move, work and eat.