The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has given justification why President Muhammadu Buhari compared the prices of fuel between Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and other countries.
Mohammed said Buhari’s comparison was justified because there was nothing wrong in comparing.
The Minister stated this while featuring on Radio Nigeria current affairs programme, Radio Link, yesterday in Abuja.
During his Independence Day speech, Buhari had compared the prices of buying fuel in Nigeria with countries like Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Niger and others.
He had stressed that Nigerians can’t pay less for fuel.
But, Buhari’s remark had led to criticisms by Nigerians.
Backing Buhari, Mohammed said: “Some people have said that why should we compare ourselves to Saudi Arabia with better infrastructure and higher wages.
“Our answer to that is very simple. Saudi Arabia has 34 million people while Nigeria has 200 million people.
“Saudi Arabia produces 10 million barrels of crude oil per day, while Nigeria produces, at its best, 2.1 million barrel per day.
“Their population is about one-sixth of Nigeria’s population, and they are blessed with more resources. Therefore, they can afford to pay higher wages and build infrastructure.
“Our argument must be put in proper perspective. As we have said, whatever money we make from the subsidy removal, we will invest in infrastructure development.”
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