Third Christmas Without Fuel Scarcity: Tinubu Praised for Ending December Petrol Crisis
By Passman Akpos
As Nigeria counts down to Christmas, political commentator and author Reno Omokri has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he describes as an unprecedented achievement: a third consecutive December without fuel scarcity across the country.
In a widely circulated commentary, Omokri noted that with just ten days to Christmas, petrol remains readily available across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He highlighted that fuel is selling at prices below ₦900 per litre in many areas, a sharp contrast to the perennial scarcity and price hikes that traditionally defined the festive season in previous administrations.
According to Omokri, this marks the third December under President Tinubu in which Nigerians are not subjected to long queues, overnight vigils at filling stations, or the dangerous resort to black-market fuel purchases. He recalled how, in past years, the Christmas period was often marred by reports of fires caused by petrol stored in jerry cans, damaged vehicle engines, and exploding generators due to adulterated fuel.
Reacting to critics who dismiss the development as “basic governance,” Omokri argued that fundamental necessities should not be trivialized. He likened fuel availability to oxygen—essential, often overlooked, but deeply missed when absent. He stressed that small but consistent improvements can significantly improve daily life and deserve recognition.
Omokri also questioned what he described as selective outrage by some commentators, noting that many who criticized praise for fuel availability today were vocal in condemning previous governments for December fuel scarcity and rising prices.
Commending President Tinubu directly, Omokri credited the administration’s policies with transforming Nigeria’s fuel landscape, asserting that the country has moved from being Africa’s largest fuel importer to a key exporter within West Africa. He described personally purchasing fuel in Abuja at a discounted price as symbolic of a broader national shift.
While anticipating criticism for praising the government, Omokri challenged detractors to reflect on their own past records, urging consistency in public discourse. “If we complain when things go badly,” he argued, “we should also commend when things work better than expected.”
The commentary has reignited debate online, with supporters hailing the stability in fuel supply as a rare festive relief, while critics continue to question the broader economic impact of fuel pricing and reforms. Nonetheless, as Christmas approaches, the absence of fuel queues appears to be a welcome departure from a long-standing December tradition Nigerians know all too well.
