President Bola Tinubu has directed key economic officials to explore measures to ease the impact of rising hardship on Nigerians because of the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The President gave the directive on Friday during a civic reception in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, after commissioning several projects executed by Governor Douye Diri’s administration.
Tinubu specifically tasked the ministers of finance and budget, alongside the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, to assess the situation and recommend strategies to mitigate the economic strain, particularly rising fuel costs linked to global tensions.
Acknowledging the pressure on citizens, the President said his administration is aware of the economic challenges but remains committed to providing relief.
“Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. Fuel prices are biting hard, but we will continue to look at the numbers and work with the relevant ministries to ease the burden,” he said.
He added that despite the challenges, Nigeria remains relatively stable compared to some other African countries and assured citizens that efforts are ongoing to protect vulnerable populations.
President Tinubu also reiterated the commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to delivering tangible development, stressing that governance must translate into improved infrastructure, job creation, and economic opportunities.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments, noting that development progresses faster when both levels of government work in synergy.
During the visit, the President commissioned key infrastructure projects, including a 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant in Elebele, the 630-metre Angiama–Oporoma Bridge, and a newly constructed road in Yenagoa.
Tinubu commended Governor Diri for executing impactful projects aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing him as a “progressive leader” committed to development.
He also reiterated his administration’s resolve to address Nigeria’s power challenges, recalling his efforts to establish an Independent Power Plant during his tenure as Lagos State governor.
Earlier at the event, the President observed a minute’s silence in honour of fallen members of the armed forces and late former Bayelsa governor, DSP Alamieyeseigha.
In his remarks, Governor Diri credited the federal government’s policy reforms for enabling Bayelsa to deliver the gas-powered plant, describing it as a milestone toward achieving stable electricity supply in the state.
He said the newly inaugurated projects would boost economic activities, improve connectivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
The governor also highlighted ongoing projects under his administration, including a 30,000-seat stadium, a nine-storey state secretariat, and major road networks aimed at linking communities and unlocking economic opportunities across the state.