President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the growing strain of high fuel prices on Nigerians, even as he urged citizens to remain hopeful, insisting that the country is still better positioned than some of its African peers.
Speaking during his visit to Bayelsa State, the President addressed concerns over the rising cost of living while also highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects and broader economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy.
“Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let’s just thank God together that you are better off. Listen to them in Kenya, in other African countries, what they are going through,” Tinubu said.
His remarks come at a time when fuel prices remain a major pressure point for households and businesses across Nigeria, with transport costs, food prices, and overall inflation continuing to rise.
However, the President maintained that his administration’s policies are designed to deliver long-term stability rather than short-term relief. He pointed to ongoing infrastructure development as a critical pillar of that strategy.
Specifically, Tinubu cited projects such as the Yenagoa city road, noting that they are intended to improve access, enhance urban mobility, and unlock economic opportunities in the region.
Beyond infrastructure, he emphasised the employment impact of such projects, stressing that construction activities are already creating jobs across multiple segments of the local economy.
According to him, these projects are not just about physical development but also about livelihoods, as they engage a wide range of workers, including water suppliers, welders, concrete mixers, and other artisans.
Furthermore, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to stronger collaboration between the federal government and states, particularly in the Niger Delta. He noted that partnerships with states like Bayelsa and Delta would remain central to efforts aimed at driving regional growth and long-term development.
Tinubu also used the occasion to stress the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, assuring Nigerians that his government would continue to pursue policies focused on strengthening the economy and improving living standards.
While acknowledging the immediate hardship faced by citizens, the President’s message was clear: the reforms may be painful, but they are part of a broader effort to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth.