President Bola Tinubu says his administration will continue working to ease hardship and improve living conditions, directing economic officials to mitigate the impact of the Middle East crisis.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday directed the Ministers of Budget and Finance, alongside the Head of the Federal Civil Service, to examine measures to mitigate the effects of the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran on Nigerians.
Tinubu gave the directive at a civic reception in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, after commissioning projects undertaken by Governor Douye Diri’s administration. The Head of Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, an indigene of Bayelsa, attended the event.
Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta accompanied the President to the state, while the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, represented Governor Babagana Zulum.
Former Delta State Governor James Ibori and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce were also among dignitaries at the civic reception.
President Tinubu acknowledged the economic challenges arising from the Middle East conflict, noting that rising fuel prices were already affecting citizens. He, however, assured Nigerians that the administration would work with relevant ministries to ease the burden.
“Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel prices are biting hard. But look around. Let’s thank God that we are better off listening to what is happening in other African countries, what they are going through,” he said.
The President assured that his administration would continue to explore measures to support vulnerable citizens and stabilise the economy.
“This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning,” he added.
Tinubu reaffirmed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains committed to improving citizens’ well-being through infrastructure, job creation, and economic reforms.
“Regardless of their shenanigans, the All Progressive Congress believes that the people deserve to see governance translated into roads, bridges, power, jobs and real opportunities that affect human beings. That signals the development of our country,” he said.
He emphasised that collaboration between federal and state governments accelerates development, noting that projects commissioned during the visit reflected the benefits of such partnerships.
The President commended Governor Douye Diri for executing projects aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing them as transformative and impactful.
Among projects inaugurated were a 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area, the 630-metre Angiama–Oporoma Bridge, and the new Yenagoa City Road.
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s power challenges and achieving energy sufficiency, recalling earlier efforts toward independent power initiatives.
He observed a minute’s silence in honour of fallen members of the armed forces and former Bayelsa governor, DSP Alamieyeseigha.
Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks, said federal policy interventions enabled the state to deliver the gas-fired power plant and move closer to reliable electricity supply.
He described the project as a major milestone that would boost economic activity and improve residents’ quality of life, adding that other infrastructure initiatives, including roads, bridges, and public facilities, were ongoing under the state’s Assured Prosperity agenda.
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