Tinubu to governors: prepare for soaring inflation, protect vulnerable Nigerians

…He says the crisis in the Middle East could worsen fuel and transportation costs

…instructs governments to implement citizen-centric interventions

Daud Olatunji

President Bola Tinubu has warned state governors that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East could trigger a new wave of inflation in Nigeria, urging them to introduce further incentives to cushion the impact on citizens.

Tinubu gave the warning on Sunday while hosting Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors at his Lagos residence during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

The president said rising tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran are already putting global energy prices at risk, with potential knock-on effects on transportation costs and the purchasing power of Nigerians.

“We should care more about the most vulnerable. I know that this crisis in the Middle East will increase inflation and affect our purchasing power,” Tinubu said.

He noted that organized labor and other groups may soon require greater government intervention as economic strain deepens.

The President, who recently returned from a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, charged governors to implement policies and programs that directly ease the burden on citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.

Tinubu also used the occasion to highlight the need for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments in the fight against insecurity, which he described as a grave threat to development.

“The next phase of our struggle is the challenge of insecurity in the country. Insecurity is the enemy of development, progress and prosperity,” he said.

He revealed that discussions during his visit to the UK included securing support and equipment to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, adding that he had also tasked Emmanuel Macron to provide similar assistance.

According to him, efforts are underway to build international partnerships that can improve modern security interventions across the country.

Tinubu also commended Shettima for visiting Borno State following the recent bomb attacks in Maiduguri, ensuring residents were better protected through advanced technology.

Speaking on behalf of the governors, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed appreciation to the President for his continued support to the states.

He also lauded Tinubu’s recent trip to the United Kingdom, describing it as historic and beneficial to Nigeria’s bilateral relations.

AbdulRazaq said discussions on the establishment of the state police were ongoing, adding that the forum would soon submit its recommendations to the National Assembly to facilitate a legislative framework.

He underlined the commitment of the governors to work with the Federal Government to address insecurity and improve the well-being of Nigerians.

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