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All Nigerian Presidents & How They Increased Fuel Price; See The President That Never Did

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6 years ago

May 20, 2020

Timeline Of The Increase Of Pump Price Of Fuel in Nigeria

Nigeria represents a huge paradox. Despite being the largest producer in Africa and one of the world’s largest exporters of crude oil, scarcity of petroleum products is a recurring problem in the country. The abandonment of the local refineries has not helped matters.

Usually, these fuel scarcities happen prior to a hike in fuel prices.

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Since Nigeria’s independence, the country has witnessed quite a number of increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).

In this article, we will be highlighting the number of times that the pump price of petrol has been adjusted since independence.

General Yakubu Gowon: 1966 – 1975

This was during the administration of General Yakubu Gowon. In 1973, Gowon increased the price of petrol from 6k to 8.45k. This was 40.83% increase.

General Murtala Muhammed: 1975 – 1976

General Murtala Muhammed was the head of state at the time. In 1976, he increased the pump price of petrol from 8.45k to 9k. This represented a 6.5% increase.

Major General Olusegun Obasanjo: 1976 – 1979

Major General Olusegun Obasanjo was the Head Of State. On October 1, 1978, Obasanjo increased the pump price from 9k to 15.3k during his time as President. This was a 70% increase.

Alhaji Shehu Shagari: 1979 – 1983

On April 20, 1982, the civilian government led by Shehu Shagari increased the pump price of petrol by 30.7% from 15.3k to 20k.

General Mohammadu Buhari: 1983 -1985

The pump price remained the same (20k) during Buhari’s time as military Head Of State.

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General Ibrahim Babangida: 1985 – 1993

When General Ibrahim Babangida assumed power, he increased the pump price a total of four times.

March 31, 1986: 20k to 39.5k (97.5%)
April 10. 1988: 39.5k to 42k (6.33%)
January 1, 1989: 42k to 60k (Private Vehicles) (42.85%)
March 6, 1991: 60k to 70k (16.67%)

Ernest Shonekan: 1993

During the short spell of Ernest Shonekan as Head Of State (he spent 82 days in power), he increased the price of petrol by over 614.29% from 70k to N5. The increase took effect from November 8, 1993.

General Sanni Abacha: 1993 – 1998

For 5 years, General Sani Abacha was at the helm of affairs in Nigeria. His administration was marked by several fuel scarcities. Initially, he reduced the petrol prices but later increased it before reducing it again.

November 22, 1993: N5 to N3.25k (price dropped 35%)
October 2, 1994: N3.25k to N15 (361.54%)
October 4, 1994: N15 to N11 (price dropped 26.67%)

General Abdulsalami Abubukar: 1998 – 1999

General Abdulsalami Abubakar was the interim President between 1998 and 1999. During his tenure, the country experienced some adjustment in fuel price.

December 20, 1998: N11 toN25 (127.27%)
January 6, 1999: N25 to N20 (price dropped 25 %)

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Olusegun Obasanjo: 1999 – 2007

During Obasanjo’s tenure as President, the price of petrol only saw a single change but when he returned in 1999, the price experienced seven changes over a period of eight years.

June 1, 2000: N20 to N30 (50%)
June 8, 2000: N30 to N22 (price drops 26.67%)
Jan 1, 2002: N22 to N26 (18.18%)
June 2003: N26 to N42 (61.54%)
May 29, 2004: N42 to N50 (19.05%)
Aug 25, 2004: N50 to N65 (30%)
May 27, 2007: N65 to N75 (15.39%)

Umaru Musa Yaradua: 2007 – 2010

Interestingly, Yar’Adua was the only president who did not increase the pump price of fuel. During his tenure, he reduced the price of petrol from N75 to N65 (price drops 15.39%). The adjustment took effect from June 2007.