By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed key economic officials to urgently develop measures to mitigate the rising hardship facing Nigerians due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving citizens’ welfare.
The directive was issued on Friday during a civic reception in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where the President also commissioned major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Douye Diri.
Tinubu specifically tasked the Ministries of Finance and Budget and Economic Planning, alongside the Office of the Head of Service, led by Didi Esther Walson-Jack, to examine ways of cushioning the economic pressures linked to the global crisis, particularly its impact on fuel prices and cost of living.
“Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel prices are biting hard,” the President said, acknowledging public concerns while noting that Nigeria remains relatively stable compared to some other African countries facing similar pressures.
He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of vulnerable groups, stressing that government policies would be tailored to ease economic hardship.
“This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning,” he added.
The President emphasised that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains committed to translating governance into tangible benefits such as infrastructure, employment and economic opportunities.
He noted that collaboration between federal and state governments remains critical to accelerating development, pointing to the projects commissioned in Bayelsa as evidence of effective partnership.
Among the projects inaugurated were a 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant located in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area, the 630-metre Angiama–Oporoma Bridge, and the newly constructed Yenagoa City Road.
Tinubu commended Governor Diri for what he described as transformative infrastructure aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, praising his leadership and commitment to development.
“Development advances further, faster when the federal government and the state government work in partnership and towards a shared purpose,” the President said.
He also reiterated his administration’s resolve to address Nigeria’s longstanding power challenges, recalling his efforts in establishing an Independent Power Plant during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
Earlier in the event, the President observed a minute’s silence in honour of fallen soldiers who lost their lives in ongoing military operations, as well as former Bayelsa State Governor, DSP Alamieyeseigha.
In his remarks, Governor Diri credited the Federal Government’s policy interventions for creating an enabling environment for the state to deliver the gas-fired power project, which he said would significantly improve electricity supply and boost economic activities.
He described the Angiama–Oporoma Bridge as a major milestone that has bridged a decades-long connectivity gap in a key oil-producing region, while also highlighting the strategic importance of the newly dualised road linking the expanding Yenagoa City.
The governor further outlined ongoing projects under his administration’s Assured Prosperity Agenda, including a 30,000-seat international stadium, a nine-storey state secretariat, and additional road and bridge networks aimed at enhancing connectivity across riverine communities.
Tinubu was accompanied on the visit by several governors, including Hope Uzodimma, Dapo Abiodun, Umo Eno, and Sheriff Oborevwori, while the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, represented Governor Babagana Zulum.
Other dignitaries at the event included former Delta State Governor James Ibori and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce.
