Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has directed the ministers of budget and finance, along with the Head of the Federal Service, to look into how the administration can mitigate the biting effects of the US-Israeli war with Iran on Nigerians.
Speaking at a civic reception in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital in southern Nigeria after commissioning some projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, President Tinubu reiterated that his administration is aware of the ongoing economic challenges arising from the Middle East war, but quickly added that his government will work with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Budget and the Head of Service to propose measures to ease the hardship.
”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 listening to what is happening in other African countries, what they are going through.”
Tinubu assured his audience that his administration will continue to seek ways to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable in the socirty.
“This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning,” he said.
According to him, the All Progressives Congress (APC) across all levels was committed to improving citizens’ well-being.
“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. That signals the development of our country.
“We are all working hard. The projects that I commissioned today demonstrate and testify to an immutable truth: Development advances further, faster when the federal government and the state government work in partnership and towards a shared purpose,” Tinubu said.
He commended Governor Douye Diri for embarking on impactful projects which align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.
“Douye, you’ve done a great job. I have commissioned some projects, very transformative projects. The bridge, linking communities and the dual carriageways, create opportunities, jobs, and hope for our nation. Thank you for that commitment, and thank you for being a very progressive governor,” he added.
President Tinubu commended Governor Diri for demonstrating the power of very purposeful leadership and assured him that the federal government would continue to partner with subnational governments for the benefit of citizens through job creation and skill empowerment.
Earlier in his remarks, the Bayelsa State Governor said that the President’s policy interventions created the enabling environment for the state to deliver the gas-fired power plant and move closer to a reliable, independent electricity supply.
‘‘Your administration’s decisive policy interventions have paved the way for meaningful reforms in various sectors, including power, enabling us to deliver on our pledge of reliable, independent energy through the construction of these 60-megawatt gas-fired turbines.
‘‘For us, it is a cause for thanksgiving and rejoicing,’’ he said.
The governor described the project as a major step forward for Bayelsa, noting that it would improve power supply, stimulate economic activity, and enhance residents’ quality of life.
He also highlighted other infrastructure projects commissioned by the President during the visit, including the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, which he said addressed the six-decade connectivity gap in one of Nigeria’s key oil-producing areas.
The governor added that the inauguration of a dualised road linking the fast-growing New Yenagoa City will boost access, unlock economic opportunities, and support the development of a modern capital city.
GIK/APA