President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians that his administration is taking steps to ease the economic hardships worsened by the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Speaking at a civic reception in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, after commissioning key projects, the President acknowledged the rising cost of living, particularly the impact of high fuel prices on citizens.
He said the government is working closely with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning to explore measures that would cushion the burden on Nigerians.
“I hear you from various angles of the economy. Fuel prices are biting hard, but we will continue to find ways to ameliorate the suffering of the vulnerable. This is a government that cares,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that Nigeria, like many nations, is feeling the ripple effects of global conflicts, stressing that the country is grappling with economic pressures from a crisis it did not initiate.
“These are challenges of a war we did not call for, but we share in its consequences because of our interconnected world,” he added.
During the visit, Tinubu inaugurated a 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant located in Elebele, in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state. The project, executed under Governor Douye Diri’s administration, is expected to boost electricity supply in Yenagoa and surrounding communities, reduce reliance on the national grid, and stimulate industrial growth.
Describing the facility as a “critical intervention,” Tinubu said stable power supply remains central to job creation, industrialisation, and improved living standards.
He also inspected the plant’s turbines and operational systems to assess its readiness.
Governor Diri linked the project to the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that it positions Bayelsa as an emerging destination for investment and economic expansion.
The President also commended the state government for ongoing infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and dual carriageways, which he said are creating employment opportunities and enhancing connectivity.
On security, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling terrorism and banditry, pledging continued investment in training and equipping the armed forces.
“We will continue to strengthen our security architecture. We will defeat terrorism and banditry, regardless of their antics,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Tinubu stressed that sustainable development can only be achieved through strong partnerships between federal and state governments.
Responding humorously to the governor’s request for federal reimbursement for state-funded federal roads, the President said he would “take it along” for consideration, while reiterating the need for constructive engagement.
Among dignitaries at the event were former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several state governors including Hope Uzodinma, Umo Eno, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Dapo Abiodun.
Governor Diri, in his remarks, reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development under the “Assured Prosperity” agenda, highlighting major projects including road networks, a new secretariat complex, and a proposed international stadium, all aimed at driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
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