The More You Want Everything Free, It Will Become More Expensive — Tinubu to Nigerians After Fuel Price Hike

President Bola Tinubu has warned that the cost of living in Nigeria will continue to rise as long as citizens demand free services, stressing that bold reforms, including the recent hike in fuel prices, are necessary for the country’s development.

On Friday in Beijing, at a meeting with representatives of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel, Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria must face tough decisions to progress like developed nations.

“Nigeria is undergoing reforms, and we are making bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices.

“But can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality.

“You see water supply constant and running and their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children?” the president asked.

He further noted, “What is the critical part to get us there if we cannot make hard decisions to pave the way for a blessed and talented country? So many of you are so gifted, speaking very fluent Mandarin.

“It is what you contribute and tell them at home that will reflect in the attitude of our people. The more you want everything free, the more expensive and long-delayed it will be to achieve meaningful development.”

The president’s remarks follow a wave of discontent over rising fuel prices, severely impacting transportation and living costs nationwide.

It will be recalled that on Monday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) increased the price of petrol from N680 to N855 per litre, further deepening economic challenges for citizens.

Since President Tinubu’s administration removed the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, petrol prices have surged to nearly N1,000 per litre.

However, there are reports that the Tinubu’s administration has continued to pay fuel subsidies despite the hike in the fuel price.

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