SUNTV Global Channel | September 4, 2026
Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Seyi Makinde, has argued that Nigerians should not be forced to pay higher petrol prices because of the government’s inability to effectively secure the country’s borders.
Makinde made the statement in his latest newsletter while outlining his proposed “Reset Nigeria” movement, which he said is aimed at fundamentally reforming the country’s institutions, governance structures and systems.
According to the governor, Nigeria’s challenges extend beyond the individuals occupying political offices, noting that successive governments and policies have failed to significantly change the living conditions of millions of citizens.
He said many Nigerians remain trapped in poverty, while families continue to struggle despite working hard to improve their standard of living.
Makinde also identified insecurity, weak institutions and limited economic opportunities as major problems that continue to affect the country.
He argued that simply changing those in government would not be enough to solve Nigeria’s problems, stressing the need to reform the systems that continue to produce poor outcomes.
The governor used Nigeria’s petroleum pricing system as an example, questioning the longstanding debate over whether fuel subsidy should be restored or permanently removed.
Makinde said the more important issue should be determining whether Nigeria, as an oil-producing country, has adopted a fair and appropriate petroleum pricing framework.
He called for greater transparency in the factors used to determine petrol prices, including crude oil benchmarks, refining costs, exchange-rate assumptions, transportation and logistics expenses, distribution costs, taxes and other levies.
According to him, Nigerians should have access to sufficient information to understand how the price they pay at filling stations is determined.
Makinde also rejected the argument that petrol prices should remain high primarily to discourage smuggling into neighbouring countries.
He maintained that citizens should not be made to bear the financial consequences of weaknesses in border security.
The governor said his proposed “Reset Nigeria” initiative would therefore examine the existing petroleum pricing structure and assess whether Nigerians are receiving a fair return from the country’s natural resources.
He disclosed that his team would present an alternative petroleum pricing framework in the coming weeks, after which Nigerians would be able to assess and judge the proposal.
Makinde further described his proposed national reset as a process requiring both accountable leadership and active participation from citizens.
He said transforming Nigeria would not happen overnight or depend on one individual, but would require a deliberate national effort backed by a clear roadmap, measurable priorities and sustained participation from Nigerians at home and abroad.
The governor said his team would also present its ideas on reforming Nigeria’s economy, security architecture, education system, institutions and political and social structures.
Makinde called on Nigerians to contribute to the conversation by identifying the areas they believe require the most urgent reforms.
He said the objective should be to build a Nigeria where institutions function effectively and government policies deliver meaningful benefits to citizens.
