President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to remain patient despite the rising cost of fuel, saying the situation in the country is still better compared to what is happening in some other African nations.
The President made this statement on Friday during his visit to Bayelsa State, where he inaugurated several development projects. His comments come at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with the high cost of petrol, which has affected transportation, food prices, and general cost of living.
Speaking to government officials, community leaders, and residents, Tinubu admitted that the increase in fuel price is causing hardship. However, he urged citizens to look at the bigger picture and appreciate the situation in Nigeria when compared with other countries.
“It is very important that we are honest with our people,” he said. “Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let us thank God together that you are better off. Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries and what they are going through.”
The President also assured Nigerians that his administration is working to reduce the impact of the economic challenges, especially on vulnerable citizens. He said the government would continue to introduce measures to ease the burden on the people.
“We will not look back. We will continue to find ways to reduce the suffering of the vulnerable,” Tinubu added.
During the visit, the President commissioned a number of key projects aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting economic growth in Bayelsa State. These include a 60-megawatt gas turbine plant located in Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area, which is expected to improve electricity supply in the region.
Other projects inaugurated include the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, the Sagbama/Ekeremor Road, and a 2.9-kilometre dual carriageway in Yenagoa, the state capital. These projects are expected to improve transportation, support local businesses, and open up rural communities for development.
Tinubu praised the Bayelsa State Government for its efforts in delivering the projects and urged other states to focus on infrastructure that can improve the lives of the people.
The issue of rising fuel prices has remained a major concern across Nigeria since the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023. The policy led to a sharp increase in petrol prices, with ripple effects across different sectors of the economy. Many Nigerians have since complained about the high cost of transportation, food, and other basic needs.
In recent weeks, the situation has been made worse by global developments, especially the crisis in the Middle East. The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, disrupted oil supply routes and pushed up global fuel prices.
A key factor in the crisis was the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes in the world, through which a large percentage of global oil supply passes. When the route was blocked, it led to fears of shortage and caused prices to rise sharply in the international market.
The situation, however, has seen some relief following a temporary ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States. The agreement, reached just 48 hours ago, includes a two-week pause in hostilities and the lifting of the blockade to allow oil shipments to resume.
For Nigeria, which depends heavily on imported refined petroleum products, global price changes have a direct impact on local pump prices. This means that even when local policies are in place, international events can still affect how much Nigerians pay for fuel.
While the President’s comments comparing Nigeria to other African countries have sparked mixed reactions, some citizens believe the focus should be on improving conditions at home rather than comparing with others.
As Nigerians continue to face economic pressure, many are hoping that government policies and global developments will soon bring relief. For now, the message from the Presidency is clear: the challenges are real, but there is hope for improvement.