- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to embrace the currently reality of fuel price hike across the country, stressing that Nigeria is better off with the current global situation than other African countries.
Tinubu gave the charge during his address at a civic reception in Yenagoa after inaugurating projects executed by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.
While acknowledging the harsh economic realities intensified by the hike in fuel price, Tinubu attributed the hike to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
He however maintained that Nigeria is faring better with the situation than Kenya and most African country as he charged Nigerians to be grateful to God.
“It is very important that we are transparent, honest with our people.
“Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard.
“But look around and let just thank God together that you are better off.
“Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries what they are going through.
“We will not look back. We will continue to find ways to ameliorate the suffering of the vulnerable.” Tinubu said.
The President thereafter directed key economic officials to develop measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on Nigerians.
He tasked the Ministries of Finance and Budget, alongside the Head of Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, to examine ways to ease economic pressures.
Tinubu assured citizens that his administration would work with the relevant ministries to introduce measures to cushion the hardship.
“This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with the Ministry of Finance and Budget to ease the burden,”He said.
The President further reaffirmed the commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to improving citizens’ welfare through impactful governance.
“People deserve to see governance translated into roads, bridges, power, jobs and real opportunities that affect lives,” He added.
On the commissioned project, Tinubu commended Diri for executing projects aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing them as transformative.
He inaugurated key projects, including a 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant in Elebele, a 630-metre Angiama–Oporoma Bridge, and a new Yenagoa city road.
The president noted that collaboration between federal and state governments accelerates development and delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
He also reiterated his administration’s resolve to achieve energy sufficiency, recalling his earlier efforts in establishing independent power initiatives.
Tinubu observed a minute’s silence in honour of fallen soldiers and former Bayelsa governor, DSP Alamieyeseigha.
In his remarks, Diri said federal policy support enabled the state to deliver the power project and advance energy independence.
He added that the projects would improve connectivity, boost economic activity and enhance residents’ quality of life.