You’re Better Off Than Kenyans, Tinubu Tells Nigerians Amid Hardship
President Bola Tinubu on Friday urged Nigerians to count their blessings, comparing the country’s situation to that of Kenya and other African nations facing deeper economic crises.
He acknowledged that rising fuel prices are causing hardship for citizens and promised that his administration would implement measures to ease the burden, particularly for vulnerable groups.
“Let’s thank God together that you are better off than those in Kenya and other African countries. Consider what they are going through,” Tinubu said while inaugurating projects executed by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The projects include a bridge linking several communities, newly constructed dual carriageways, and the Yenagoa City Road.
The President’s remarks come weeks after fuel pump prices surged to about ₦1,300 per litre. The increase has been largely attributed to global disruptions, including the US-Israeli military action against Iran, which led to the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz and unsettled international oil markets.
Since assuming office nearly three years ago, Tinubu’s removal of the petrol subsidy on his first day in office has triggered a steady rise in fuel prices and transportation costs, significantly straining household incomes nationwide.
Speaking in Bayelsa, Tinubu admitted the severity of the situation:
“The fuel prices are biting hard. But look around—we will continue to find ways to ease the suffering of the vulnerable.”
He added, “This is a government that cares. We will review the numbers with the ministries of finance, economic planning, and budgeting to determine what can be done to reduce the burden.”
The President attributed the hardship partly to global forces beyond Nigeria’s control, describing it as the result of “a war we did not call for, but whose effects we feel in our interconnected world.”
Kenya, which Tinubu referenced, has also experienced economic turbulence, including widespread anti-government protests in 2024 over tax increases. The unrest forced President William Ruto to withdraw a controversial finance bill and reshuffle his cabinet under public pressure.
During the event, Tinubu commended Governor Diri for what he described as “purposeful leadership,” noting that meaningful development occurs when federal and state governments collaborate effectively.
“Development advances faster when both levels of government work in partnership toward a shared goal,” he said.
In a lighthearted moment, the President joked about the governor’s request to have a state-funded road reclassified as a federal road for reimbursement.
“When we met in my office, you asked for exemptions and waivers. Now you want reimbursement—it has suddenly become a federal road,” he quipped.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, pledging continued investment in training and equipping the nation’s armed forces to combat terrorism and banditry.