Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration, expressing confidence that the economic reforms currently being pursued by the Federal Government will ultimately steer Nigeria toward stability.

The governor made these remarks on Thursday at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event held in Edo State, where he called on Nigerians to exercise patience as the reforms continue to unfold.

“…What we are seeing in Nigeria today is a reform. And that reform that is ongoing is a very difficult one,” he said.

Drawing on an analogy involving air travel, Okpebholo noted that the gains from the reforms would become more visible once the economy attains a level of stability.

“I make an illustration. When a plane is taking off, do you see them serving food? Do you see air hostesses serving food in the plane? They will never give you food until that seatbelt is released. That means on a cruising level. That is when they will start serving food.

“I want to let you know, very soon Nigeria will be on the cruising level. Nigeria will be on a cruising level,” Okpebholo said.

The governor also drew a comparison between fuel prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, recounting that a recent trip to London had prompted him to find out what motorists there pay for petrol.

“When we complained about cost of petrol, I was in London last week. I told my friend, ‘Let’s go and buy fuel just to know the cost of fuel between Nigeria and England.’

“Let me tell you, after conversion, it’s about 3,000-something for one litre of fuel,” he said.

According to Okpebholo, this comparison showed that Nigerians were, in fact, paying less for fuel than their counterparts in the UK.

“We are doing very well here. The President is stabilising the economy. He’s an economist,” he said.

These comments come amid ongoing public concern over fuel prices and rising cost of living, following the removal of fuel subsidy and the resulting changes in pump prices.

The governor also cited ongoing road construction projects across the country as further evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to development.

“Look at the kind of roads that are being constructed today—concrete pavement all over Nigeria,” he said.

In addition to commissioning the road project, Okpebholo used the platform to reaffirm his support for Tinubu remaining in office, taking a swipe at politicians positioning themselves to contest the 2027 election.

“Is Aso Rock vacant? Is Aso Rock vacant? So Aso Rock is not vacant,” Okpebholo said.

He continued, “I agree with the Oba of Benin that said, ‘You don’t change a working President.'”

The governor insisted that the reforms would eventually translate into better living conditions for Nigerians, while assuring citizens that both the state and the country were in capable hands.

He said, “That means even when Asiwaju leaves, whoever President that comes in the future after his… I want to let them know that Edo is in a safe hand. Nigeria is also in a safe hand.”