By ifeoma Onyekachi

President Bola Tinubu has directed key economic officials to develop measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on Nigerians, amid rising global energy pressures.

The directive was issued on Friday in Yenagoa during a civic reception held after the president inaugurated several projects executed by Governor Douye Diri.

According to a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu instructed the Ministries of Finance and Budget, alongside the Head of Civil Service, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, to assess options for easing economic pressures on citizens.

The president acknowledged that the global crisis was contributing to domestic economic strain, particularly through rising fuel prices.

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

Tinubu assured that his administration would work with relevant ministries to introduce targeted measures to cushion the hardship, stressing that governance must translate into tangible improvements in living standards.

“This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with the Ministry of Finance and Budget to ease the burden,” he said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the ruling All Progressives Congress to delivering development-focused governance, including infrastructure, job creation, and expanded economic opportunities.

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

During the visit, Tinubu commended Governor Diri for aligning state-level projects with the federal government’s development priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He inaugurated several projects, including a 60-megawatt gas-fired independent power plant in Elebele, the 630-metre Angiama–Oporoma Bridge, and a new road network in Yenagoa.

The president said stronger collaboration between federal and state governments would accelerate development and deliver more direct benefits to citizens. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving energy sufficiency, recalling earlier efforts to expand independent power initiatives.

Tinubu observed a minute’s silence in honour of fallen soldiers and former Bayelsa State governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

Governor Diri said federal policy support had enabled the state to advance key infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy sector, adding that the completed projects would improve connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and enhance living standards in the state.