President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Minister of Finance, and the Head of the Federal Civil Service to urgently assess and propose measures aimed at cushioning the rising economic pressures facing Nigerians, particularly those linked to global fuel price volatility triggered by the ongoing US–Israeli war on Iran.
The President gave the directive on Friday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, during a civic reception held shortly after he commissioned key infrastructure projects executed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri.
While acknowledging the strain being felt across the country due to rising fuel costs and global market disruptions, Tinubu urged Nigerians to maintain perspective in light of broader regional conditions.
“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 when we listen to what is happening in other African countries and what they are going through,” he said.
The President assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would intensify efforts to design targeted interventions in collaboration with key economic ministries to mitigate hardship, especially among vulnerable groups.
“This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning,” Tinubu assured.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to delivering governance outcomes that directly improve the lives of citizens through infrastructure, jobs, and economic opportunities.
“Regardless of their shenanigans, the APC believes that the people deserve to see governance translated into roads, bridges, power, jobs and real opportunities that affect human beings,” he added.
Tinubu further emphasised that sustainable national development requires strong collaboration between federal and state governments, noting that partnerships such as the one with Bayelsa State were essential for progress.
“We are all working hard. The projects that I commissioned today demonstrate and testify to an immutable truth: development advances further and faster when the federal government and state governments work in partnership and towards a shared purpose,” he stated.
He also commended Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for what he described as transformative infrastructure projects aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Douye, you’ve done a great job. The bridge linking communities and the dual carriageways creates opportunities, jobs, and hope for our nation. Thank you for your commitment and for being a very progressive governor”, Tinubu said.
Governor Diri, in his remarks, attributed the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects to supportive federal policy reforms, particularly in the power sector, which enabled the state to achieve progress on its 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant.
He explained that the project marks a major step toward energy independence for Bayelsa State and would significantly improve electricity supply, stimulate economic activity, and enhance living standards.
The Governor also highlighted other commissioned projects, including the 630-metre Angiama–Oporoma Bridge and the New Yenagoa City Road, describing them as transformative assets that would open up rural and urban communities to economic opportunities.
Diri further disclosed that ongoing developments under his administration’s “Assured Prosperity” agenda include a 30,000-seat stadium, a nine-storey secretariat complex, and additional road and bridge networks to improve connectivity across riverine communities.
He commended the President for approving waivers for the importation of turbines and related equipment for the power project, as well as supporting Phase Two of the Nembe–Brass Road, describing the interventions as critical to accelerating development in the State.
Earlier in the event, President Tinubu observed a minute’s silence in honour of fallen members of the armed forces who lost their lives in active service, as well as former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha