Remembering the ‘Good Old Days’ – When Fuel Was Just ₦87 per Liter

Nostalgia for a simpler, more affordable time is running high among Nigerians, as memories of when fuel was priced at ₦87 per liter resurface. A recently trending image on social media captures this moment in history. The photograph, widely shared across various platforms, features a Mobil fuel station sign boldly displaying the price of ₦87.00 per liter, juxtaposed with campaign banners of prominentNigerian political figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, along with a separate banner supporting former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The image serves as a vivid reminder of an era when fuel costs were significantly lower, contrasting sharply with the current realities where fuel prices have soared due to economic changes, subsidy removals, and global market fluctuations. The collective nostalgia resonates with millions of Nigerians who remember a time when fuel affordability directly impacted daily life and business operations across the country.

The political banners in the background of the photo add another layer of significance. One banner supports Buhari and Osinbajo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), while another supports Goodluck Jonathan under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The juxtaposition of these political figures with the fuel price has sparked discussions about how leadership and economic policies have evolved over the years, shaping the cost of living and the affordability of essential commodities like petrol.

As Nigerians reflect on this period, the conversations now gravitate towards larger questions of governance, economic stability, and the impact of global oil prices on domestic policy. The photograph, while simple, encapsulates a longing for a time when essentials were within reach, and the country’s political and economic landscape seemed more stable.

This reminder is not just about the fuel price but also speaks to the ongoing discourse about the economic journey of Nigeria and the various administrations’ roles in shaping it. The days of ₦87 per liter are now a memory, but the discussions they inspire will undoubtedly shape the future of Nigeria’s economic policies.