Former presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Nicholas Felix, on Monday distributed free fuel to residents of Oredo Local Government Area in Edo State, aiming to ease the hardship caused by rising fuel prices across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The fuel distribution took place at the Shafa Petrol Station along Akpakpava Street in Benin City. Hundreds of motorists, tricycle operators, and motorcycle riders queued early in the morning to benefit from the exercise.

The initiative was organized through the Dr. Nicholas Felix (DNF) Foundation International, a non-governmental organization founded by Felix to support vulnerable Nigerians. The foundation paid for the fuel to be given to residents at no cost.

Speaking during the event, Felix said the gesture was not politically motivated but part of his ongoing commitment to help Nigerians facing economic hardship.

“This is not about politics. We have been doing this for the past two years in Nigeria, and it started in 2014 in the United States before we brought it home,” Felix said. “This is about giving renewed hope to the people and letting them know there’s still hope despite the challenges.”

Felix noted that the decision to distribute free fuel was influenced by the impact of the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidies, which has led to sharp increases in fuel prices and transport fares nationwide.

“Fuel is one thing everyone talks about since subsidy removal. So, we decided to come and put smiles on people’s faces,” he said. “You can see how happy the bike riders and drivers are — that’s what this is all about.”

Several residents who benefited from the initiative expressed appreciation for the support. A motorcycle rider, Clement Iwara, said the free fuel helped him save money he could now use for other expenses.

“I would have spent about ₦4,000 today to buy four liters of fuel,” Iwara said. “This gesture means a lot because it’s not easy to keep up with the rising cost of living.”

Another beneficiary, a taxi driver named Fred Osemwengie, called on other wealthy Nigerians to emulate the effort. “Things are tough, and this kind of help can make a big difference. It shows that some people still care,” he said.

The DNF Foundation has previously carried out similar fuel distribution exercises in other states and plans to extend the program to more communities in the coming months.

Felix, a U.S.-based cleric and entrepreneur, contested in the 2023 APC presidential primaries. He has since focused on philanthropic activities, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, and community development.

Rising fuel prices have been a major issue in Nigeria since the federal government ended fuel subsidies in 2023. The move, which was intended to reduce government spending and encourage market-based pricing, has led to significant increases in transportation and commodity costs, triggering widespread hardship for ordinary citizens.

In Edo State, many residents rely on commercial motorcycles and tricycles for daily transportation, making fuel costs a critical factor in their livelihoods. Local analysts say initiatives like Felix’s offer temporary relief but highlight the need for broader economic measures to address inflation and unemployment.

For now, residents of Benin City welcomed the gesture as a rare sign of support in difficult times.

“This is a good thing,” said another beneficiary, Joy Omoregie, who drives a commercial tricycle. “We just hope the government or other people can do more to help.”

Felix said his foundation would continue to carry out similar projects and look for sustainable ways to support Nigerians struggling with high living costs.

“We are not going to stop,” he said. “We will keep doing what we can to help until things get better.”