The Presidency says President Bola Tinubu receives regular briefings on food prices and the economic challenges facing Nigerians, as concerns over the cost of living continue.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is aware of the prices of essential food items, including eggs and bread, and receives regular updates on the economic realities confronting Nigerians, according to a presidential aide.

Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North-Central region, made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Essiet said information gathered through community engagement activities, alongside briefings from members of the Federal Executive Council, helps keep the President informed about the living conditions of citizens.

She challenged the suggestion that journalists alone understand the economic difficulties experienced by ordinary Nigerians, explaining that communicating citizens’ concerns to the President was part of her official responsibilities.

According to her, the government receives regular feedback about the rising cost of essential commodities and other challenges affecting communities across the country.

Presidency Highlights Infrastructure Projects

Essiet also pointed to infrastructure development as one of the administration’s responses to longstanding public concerns.

She cited the reconstruction of the Bida–Lambata–Mokwa road in Niger State, describing the route as a major concern for residents because of its poor condition and the accidents involving motorists and heavy-duty vehicles.

The presidential aide said the road had not been awarded for reconstruction in approximately 46 years and stated that Tinubu had directed that reinforced concrete be used instead of conventional asphalt to improve durability.

She presented the project as an example of how feedback from communities could inform government priorities.

Essiet also defended the administration’s position on local government autonomy, arguing that stronger and more accountable councils could improve service delivery and ensure that development reaches communities beyond state capitals.

She disclosed that a citizens’ assembly comprising more than 700 representatives had been established across the North-Central region to gather complaints and communicate residents’ needs to the Presidency.

According to her, about 70 per cent of the issues raised through the initiative concerned responsibilities assigned to local governments.

Food Prices Remain a Major Concern

The remarks come as the cost of food and other essential household expenses continues to attract public attention in Nigeria.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima had earlier expressed optimism that food prices would decline in the coming weeks, citing government efforts to address challenges affecting agricultural production.

However, the Presidency’s assertion that the President receives regular updates does not, by itself, establish whether household food costs have become more affordable or how quickly prices may change.

For many Nigerians, the key concern remains whether government policies and interventions will translate into measurable improvements in purchasing power, food access and household living standards.

The effectiveness of these measures will ultimately be reflected in conditions experienced by consumers, farmers, traders and households across the country.

Note: Presidential briefings may help the government understand the cost-of-living crisis, but Nigerians will judge progress by tangible improvements in food affordability, household purchasing power and living conditions.

Sources: Leadership | Punch Newspapers | THISDAY