Why Fuel Isn’t Cheap in Nigeria: You Spend 2.7 Hours for One Litre

Whenever fuel prices come up, some defend them by saying it’s cheaper abroad. That argument misses the point. Affordability isn’t about the sticker price. It’s about how long you work to earn that litre. In Nigeria, the average worker spends 164 minutes for one litre. In the US it’s 6 minutes, in the UK 9, in Canada 8, and in the Netherlands about 15. In the time a Nigerian earns one litre, an American can buy around 30 litres. This gap reflects low wages, a weak economy and poor labour value. That’s why transport costs keep rising, small businesses struggle and salaries can’t meet basic needs. Next time someone claims “fuel is cheap in Nigeria,” just ask: “How many hours do you work to buy one litre?” That question reveals the true cost.

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