Tinubu: Nigeria better off than other African countries, let’s thank God

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is economically better off compared to several African countries, even as citizens continue to grapple with rising living costs.

The president made the remarks on Friday during a civic reception in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, after commissioning several development projects.

He acknowledged that Nigerians are facing economic pressure, particularly from fuel prices and wider cost-of-living challenges, but insisted the country is still in a relatively stronger position compared to others on the continent.

“Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel prices are biting hard,” he said.

“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 added.

Tinubu said his administration would continue working with relevant ministries to develop measures aimed at reducing the impact of global economic shocks on Nigerians.

He directed the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, alongside the Office of the Head of Service, to propose steps that would ease economic pressure on citizens.

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

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He also reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructure delivery and economic reforms, stressing that governance must translate into visible benefits for citizens.

“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,” he said.

The president commended Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for ongoing development projects in the state, especially in the power sector.

Nigeria’s economic realities and government response

Tinubu noted that while economic challenges remain, his administration is prioritising interventions that would improve energy supply, create jobs, and expand opportunities for citizens.

He highlighted ongoing collaborations with state governments as key to driving development, particularly in infrastructure and power generation.

Earlier, Governor Douye Diri said the projects commissioned, including a 60-megawatt gas-fired power plant, would boost electricity supply and stimulate economic activity in Bayelsa State.