“If We Can Produce Affordable Fuel And Sell Petrol for ₦200, Nobody Will Ask For A Subsidy -Adebayo

According to Channels Television on Friday, October 9, 2026, Prince Adebayo has called on the Nigerian government to prioritise productivity and economic development, arguing that the country needs a functioning economy rather than policies that merely manage poverty.

Adebayo made the remarks while discussing fuel prices, subsidies and the broader economic challenges confronting Nigerians. He maintained that the government should focus on creating conditions that enable citizens to live productive lives instead of allowing public discussions to revolve endlessly around subsidy payments.

“There is a difference between administration and economics,” he said.

The politician criticised the government’s approach to managing the economy, describing it as “the administration of poverty and mismanagement.” He argued that Nigeria needs policies capable of expanding economic opportunities and improving the productive capacity of the country.

“What we need is an economy,” Adebayo stated, stressing the importance of moving beyond routine administration towards measures that can improve living standards and support economic growth.

Adebayo further argued that subsidy discussions should not take precedence over policies designed to increase domestic production and make essential goods more affordable.

“Before discussing subsidies, we should focus on productivity,” he said.

Using petrol prices as an example, he suggested that domestic refining and affordable fuel production could reduce the pressure on Nigerians and make subsidy debates less important.

“If we can produce affordable fuel in Nigeria and sell petrol for ₦200 per litre, nobody will ask for a subsidy,” Adebayo stated.

His position was that the government should concentrate on building an economy capable of delivering affordable energy, supporting businesses and enabling citizens to earn sustainable incomes.

The comments come amid continuing debate over the Federal Government’s handling of petrol prices and its announcement of a 30-day petrol discount arrangement through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. The government has maintained that the arrangement involves selling petrol at cost rather than restoring the former fuel subsidy regime.

Adebayo’s remarks also highlight the wider question of how Nigeria can translate its economic policies into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.

He maintained that Nigerians want opportunities to work, produce and improve their circumstances, rather than remain caught in repeated arguments over government interventions.

“Nigerians are interested in living productive lives, not endless subsidy discussions,” he said.

His comments place productivity, domestic fuel production and affordability at the centre of the economic debate, suggesting that sustainable improvements in the country’s productive capacity should take priority over temporary relief measures.

For Adebayo, the ultimate objective should be an economy that allows Nigerians to meet their needs and pursue productive activities without depending on recurring government interventions.

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