“Nigeria More Expensive To Live In Than Kenya” – Atiku Reacts To Tinubu’s Fuel Price Comparison

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his recent remarks comparing Nigeria’s petrol prices with those of other African countries.

His response followed Tinubu’s comments during a visit to Bayelsa State on Friday, where the President said Nigerians should be grateful that fuel prices are still lower than in places like Kenya.

Atiku, in a statement released in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said Nigerians are actually worse off economically despite paying lower fuel prices than in some countries

The former vice president argued that focusing only on fuel prices gives a distorted picture of the economy and does not reflect the daily struggles of ordinary people.

He said, “It is both curious and troubling that the President would isolate fuel prices as a metric of economic comfort while ignoring the far more critical indicators of purchasing power, income levels, and cost of living.

“This selective reasoning betrays either a fundamental misunderstanding of economic realities or a deliberate attempt to deflect from policy failures.

“Yes, petrol prices in Nigeria may appear lower than in countries like Kenya or South Africa. But this comparison collapses instantly when placed against the backdrop of economic realities. 

“Nigeria today is more expensive to live in than Kenya, with the average cost of living significantly higher, despite lower fuel prices.”

Atiku also highlighted the issue of low earnings in Nigeria, saying workers in other countries are better paid.

He compared Nigeria with Kenya, noting that the average income in Nairobi is significantly higher than Nigeria’s minimum wage.

“More alarming is the collapse in earning power. Kenya’s GDP per capita is nearly double that of Nigeria, and a minimum wage earner in Nairobi takes home the equivalent of about ₦170,000—more than twice Nigeria’s ₦70,000.

“In effect, while a Kenyan earns more and pays more, a Nigerian earns far less and is forced to survive under crushing economic pressure. This is the reality the President chose to ignore,” he said.

The former Vice President further criticised Nigeria’s wage structure, saying it does not match current economic realities in the region.

He stressed that true affordability should be judged by the balance between income and expenses, adding that Nigerians are currently struggling more than ever.

“The implication is clear: affordability is not defined by price alone, but by the relationship between income and expenditure. On this measure, Nigerians have never had it worse.”

“It is, therefore, deeply disappointing that at a time when citizens expect empathy, clarity, and decisive leadership, the President has chosen the path of statistical convenience.

“A government that relies on selective comparisons while its citizens grapple with rising poverty, inflation, and declining living standards risks appearing not only out of touch, but indifferent,” he stated.

KanyiDaily recalls that Nollywood actor Zack Orji recently criticised people who constantly attack President Bola Tinubu’s administration.