A presidential aide, Dr Abiodun Essiet, has insisted that President Bola Tinubu is aware of the rising cost of food and the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement in the North-Central region, made the remarks while speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
She dismissed suggestions that journalists are the only people who understand the hardship citizens are experiencing, explaining that community engagement activities help the government communicate the concerns of ordinary Nigerians to the President.
According to her, regular reports from community engagement officials and members of the Federal Executive Council keep Tinubu informed about developments across the country.
“Do you think Mr President doesn’t know the price of egg or bread in the market? He does, because we brief him regularly, and so do members of the Federal Executive Council,” Essiet said.
She maintained that the administration receives feedback on the challenges confronting communities, including the rising cost of essential goods and other economic concerns.
Aide Highlights Mokwa-Bida Road Project
Essiet also highlighted the planned reconstruction of the Mokwa-Bida road in Niger State, describing it as a long-standing concern for residents and road users.
She claimed that the road had not been awarded for reconstruction in 46 years and linked its poor condition to concerns over road safety, including fatal accidents involving motorists and heavy-duty vehicles.
According to her, Tinubu directed that the road project should be executed using reinforced concrete rather than conventional asphalt, a decision she presented as part of efforts to address the road’s long-standing problems.
The proposed reconstruction is expected to address concerns about the road’s condition and improve transportation for communities and motorists who depend on the route.
Cost-of-Living Concerns Persist
Essiet’s comments come amid continuing public concern over food prices and the rising cost of living in Nigeria. Many households continue to face pressure from the cost of basic necessities, making the affordability of food a major issue for citizens.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has also expressed optimism that food prices could ease in the coming weeks.
However, the aide’s assurance that the President is informed about market prices does not, by itself, establish when Nigerians will begin to experience significant relief.
The key concern for many citizens remains whether the government’s policies and infrastructure projects will translate into lower food costs, improved transportation and a meaningful reduction in the financial pressure on households.
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