President Bola Tinubu has directed key economic officials to develop measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on Nigerians.

Mr Tinubu gave the directive on Friday at a civic reception in Yenagoa after inaugurating projects executed by Governor Douye Diri.

He tasked the ministries of finance and budget, alongside the Head of Service, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, to examine ways to ease economic pressures.

This is contained in a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Yenagoa.

The president acknowledged the economic strain caused by the crisis, noting that rising fuel prices were affecting Nigerians.

He said, “Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel prices are biting hard, but we must also reflect on global realities.”

Mr Tinubu assured citizens that his administration would work with the relevant ministries to introduce measures to cushion the hardship.

He stated, “This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with the ministry of finance and budget to ease the burden,”

He reaffirmed the commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to improving citizens’ welfare through impactful governance.

“People deserve to see governance translated into roads, bridges, power, jobs and real opportunities that affect lives,” he said. 

Mr Tinubu commended Mr Diri for executing projects aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing them as transformative.

He inaugurated key projects, including a 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant in Elebele, a 630-metre Angiama–Oporoma Bridge, and a new Yenagoa city road.

The president noted that collaboration between federal and state governments accelerates development and delivers tangible benefits to citizens.

He also reiterated his administration’s resolve to achieve energy sufficiency, recalling his earlier efforts in establishing independent power initiatives.

MrTinubu observed a minute’s silence in honour of fallen soldiers and a former Bayelsa governor, DSP Alamieyeseigha.

In his remarks, Mr Diri said federal policy support enabled the state to deliver the power project and advance energy independence.

He added that the projects would improve connectivity, boost economic activity and enhance residents’ quality of life.

(NAN)