Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has ignited controversy by comparing his country's fuel shortages to Kenya's, urging Nigerians to thank God they are better off. The remarks, made during a visit to Bayelsa State, have drawn sharp criticism from Kenyans and Nigerians alike.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria addressed the fuel crisis during a visit to Bayelsa State, acknowledging its hardship but comparing it favorably to Kenya's situation. "Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let’s just thank God together that you are better off. Listen to them in Kenya, in other African countries, to what they are going through," Tinubu stated.
Kenyans online widely condemned the remarks as mockery, especially amid their own fuel challenges linked to the Middle East war. One user commented, "Kenya could be a thousand times better if we had as much oil as Nigeria. So we are still many thousands of times better than Nigeria with its oil."
Nigerians expressed frustration, noting that rising fuel prices have driven up transport and food costs, and that the comparison fails to address their immediate struggles.
The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) assured the public on April 8, 2026, that stocks at its terminals remain sufficient. "We wish to assure the public that there is sufficient fuel in all of our terminals and depots and that the products meet national and international quality standards," KPC stated.
