Businessman and social commentator Isaac Fayose has taken aim at Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo over his recent comments comparing petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. In a video, Okpebholo stated that during a trip to London, he discovered petrol prices were approximately ₦3,000 per litre, while Nigerians were paying around ₦1,500 per litre. He urged Nigerians to appreciate the lower prices at home.

Fayose responded by questioning the validity of Okpebholo's comparison, emphasizing that such figures should not be viewed in isolation from the broader economic context. He argued that the minimum wage in Nigeria, currently set at ₦70,000, severely limits the purchasing power of workers. "With the minimum wage, a Nigerian can only afford about 49 litres of petrol in a month," Fayose pointed out.

In contrast, Fayose highlighted the significant difference in income between the two countries. He noted that in the UK, the minimum wage ranges from £13 to £15 per hour, translating to a monthly income that could reach up to £2,000, or approximately ₦4 million. This disparity, he argues, paints a clearer picture of the economic realities faced by citizens in both nations.

Fayose further criticized Okpebholo for not factoring in other essential services available in the UK, such as free healthcare, well-maintained roads, constant electricity supply, and overall security. He remarked, "In the UK, there’s free medical care, good roads, 24-hour electricity, and security, but he didn’t factor all those in."

The comments from both Fayose and Okpebholo have ignited discussions on social media, with many users weighing in on the appropriateness of comparing petrol prices without considering the economic conditions of each country. The debate continues to highlight the complexities of living costs and wages in Nigeria compared to more developed economies.

As the conversation unfolds, it remains to be seen how such discussions will influence public perception and policy regarding fuel pricing and minimum wage in Nigeria.