The Ministers of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, have been directed to look into how the Bola Tinubu administration can mitigate the biting effects on Nigerians of the United States-Israeli versus Iran war.
The conflict, which has impacted negatively on the economies across the world, particularly crude oil prices, began last 28 February with joint US-Israel airstrikes on Iran following failed indirect nuclear negotiation.
After commissioning some projects on Friday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, President Tinubu reiterated that his administration is aware of the ongoing economic challenges arising from the Middle East war.
He said that his government would work with the two ministries nd the Head of Service to propose measures to ease the hardship.
Walson-Jack, an indigene of the state, attended the event.
Also in attendance were formed President Goodluck Jonathan; the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Pastor Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom); Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori (Delta); and the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur.
A former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori; and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, who represented Bayelsa East district between 2011 and 2015, were among the dignitaries at the civic reception.
President Tinubu said: ‘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’.
He assured his audience that his administration would continue to seek ways to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable.
‘This is a government that cares’, he assured.
President Tinubu said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across all levels was committed to improving citizens’ well-being.
He further said: ‘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’.
The President 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 said.
The President recalled his pioneering efforts towards establishing the Independent Power Plant as governor of Lagos State, stressing that, despite the dire power challenges across the nation, his administration will ensure energy sufficiency for national development.
President Tinubu commended Governor Douye Diri for demonstrating the power of 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.
At the commencement of the event, President Tinubu observed a minute’s silence in memory of the fallen members of the Armed Forces, who lost their lives while defending the nation in the theatres of battle, as well as the former governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who died on 10 October 2015.
The President had earlier inaugurated several projects, including the 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area; the 630-metre Angiama – Oporoma bridge; and the new Yenagoa City Road (I).
Diri 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’, the governor said.
He described the project as a major step forward for the state, noting that it would improve power supply, stimulate economic activity, and enhance residents’ quality of life.
He explained that the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma bridge addressed a 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 would boost access, unlock economic opportunities, and support the development of a modern capital city.
Diri said that the projects, which included major road corridors connecting the three senatorial districts to the Atlantic Ocean and opening up opportunities in the blue economy, were part of the state’s “Assured Prosperity” agenda.
He listed other projects still at various stages of construction. Among them are a 30,000-seat international stadium, the nine-storey state secretariat, and roads and bridges connecting rural communities otherwise separated by water, all part of his government’s “Assured Prosperity: agenda.
The governor commended President Tinubu for approving waivers for the importation of turbines and related equipment for the power project, as well as the award of phase two of the Nembe-Brass road.
