“Fuel Price Biting Hard But You’re Better Than Kenyans” – Tinubu Tells Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu on Friday called on Nigerians to remain grateful despite the country’s economic difficulties, saying some African nations such as Kenya are facing even tougher conditions.

Tinubu spoke in Yenagoa during the inauguration of projects completed by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri.

He said Nigerians should appreciate that their situation is still better compared to what people in Kenya and some other African countries are experiencing.

“Let’s just thank God together that you are better off listening to them in Kenya and other African countries. What they are going through,” Tinubu said

The president admitted that the rise in fuel prices has placed serious pressure on citizens and assured the public that his administration is working on steps to reduce the impact, especially for vulnerable people.

His comments come shortly after petrol prices rose to about N1,300 per litre, a development linked to tensions in the global oil market following the US-Israeli military action against Iran, which disrupted the Strait of Hormuz.

Tinubu also reflected on his decision to remove the petrol subsidy on his first day in office nearly three years ago, a move that led to sharp increases in fuel prices, transportation fares, and living costs across Nigeria.

He said, “The fuel prices are biting hard. But look around. We will continue to find ways to ameliorate the suffering of the vulnerable.”

“This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with the finance, economic planning and budgeting, and we will see what we can do to ease the burden.”

According to him, part of the economic strain comes from forces beyond Nigeria’s control, describing it as fallout from “the challenge of the war we didn’t call for, but the effects of an interrelated world that we share.”

Tinubu praised Governor Diri for his focused and purposeful leadership, noting that real development happens faster when state and federal governments work together.

“Development advances further, faster when the federal government and the state government work in partnership and towards a shared purpose,” he said.

The President jokingly responded to Diri’s request for a state road to be recognised as a federal road for reimbursement purposes, recalling how the governor had previously sought waivers and exceptions during their meetings.

“When we met in my office, you were asking for this exception and that waiver and everything. Now you want reimbursement. It’s now Federal Road. I will take it with me,” he quipped.

Tinubu also used the occasion to restate his government’s determination to tackle terrorism and banditry, promising continued investment in the training of members of the armed forces.

KanyiDaily recalls that Nollywood actor Zack Orji recently criticised people who constantly attack President Bola Tinubu’s administration.