The Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s economic future, warning that the country may soon experience another sharp increase in fuel prices that could worsen living conditions for citizens.
In a recent video shared on Facebook on Friday, April 10, 2026, Ayodele said he is deeply worried about the direction of the economy, particularly the cost of diesel and petrol, which he believes are set to rise further in the coming period.
“I’m worried about Nigeria because diesel will rise to ₦2000, and petrol will rise again,” Ayodele stated, issuing what he described as a cautionary message about the nation’s economic trajectory.
According to him, any significant increase in fuel prices would have widespread consequences across multiple sectors of the economy, including transportation, manufacturing, and small-scale businesses. He explained that fuel remains a critical component of economic activity in Nigeria, and any upward adjustment often triggers a chain reaction of price increases.
The cleric noted that the impact of such a rise would not only be felt by business owners but also by ordinary citizens who are already grappling with inflation and rising costs of essential goods and services. He warned that further fuel hikes could deepen existing economic hardship and reduce purchasing power for many households.
Ayodele emphasized that businesses relying heavily on diesel-powered generators may face even greater operational challenges if the predicted increase materializes. He pointed out that many small and medium-scale enterprises depend on generators due to unstable electricity supply, making them particularly vulnerable to rising fuel costs.
He also warned that transportation costs could increase significantly if petrol prices go up again. This, he said, would likely affect millions of Nigerians who depend on public transport for daily commuting, leading to higher fares and additional pressure on household budgets.
Transport operators, according to economic observers, often adjust prices quickly in response to fuel changes, and such adjustments tend to ripple through the economy, affecting food prices and other essential commodities.
Ayodele further suggested that the cumulative effect of rising diesel and petrol prices could intensify inflationary pressures already being experienced across the country. He noted that when transport and production costs increase, the prices of goods and services tend to follow, placing additional strain on consumers.
While he did not provide specific policy recommendations, the cleric urged attention to the economic situation, stressing the need for measures that could help mitigate the impact of potential fuel price increases on vulnerable populations.
