Hardship: ‘Tinubu Knows the Price of Egg, Bread in the Market’ – Presidency

The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu is aware of the rising cost of food and other essential commodities in Nigeria, including eggs and bread, amid continuing concerns over the financial pressure on households.

Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement in the North-Central region, said the President receives regular updates on the difficulties Nigerians face.

She maintained that information about the economic situation reaches Tinubu through community engagement activities and briefings from members of the Federal Executive Council.

Essiet made the remarks while speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.

She also represents the Presidency at the North Central Citizens’ Assembly.

According to the presidential aide, it would be wrong to assume that journalists are the only people who understand the economic challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.

She said officials who interact with communities also communicate the concerns of residents directly to the President.

“I don’t feel it’s only media people who understand what the people are facing. Some of the realities our people are experiencing are what we communicate to Mr President,” she said.

Essiet specifically addressed questions about whether Tinubu understands the cost of basic food items in the market.

She insisted that the President is informed about the prices Nigerians encounter when shopping for their daily needs.

“I usually tell people, 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 stated.

Her comments come as the cost of living remains a major concern for many Nigerian families.

Food, transportation, housing and other household expenses continue to place pressure on incomes, leaving many people struggling to meet their daily needs.

The presidential aide’s statement was aimed at explaining how the administration receives information about these challenges.

However, the assurance that the President is aware of the situation also comes amid public expectations for policies that can ease the burden on consumers.

Beyond the cost of food, Essiet highlighted infrastructure development as another area where the administration is responding to concerns raised by residents.

She cited the planned reconstruction of the Mokwa-Bida road in Niger State as an example of a project she said reflected the demands of the people.

According to her, the road has remained a source of concern for communities and motorists because of its deteriorating condition.

She said residents had repeatedly called for government intervention, particularly because of the risks faced by motorists and operators of heavy-duty vehicles using the route.

Essiet claimed that the road was last awarded for reconstruction 46 years ago, stressing that its condition had made the proposed intervention a longstanding demand among residents.

“The last time that road was given out on contract was 46 years ago. So tell me if that is not the wish of the people,” she said.

She also disclosed that Tinubu had directed that reinforced concrete be used for the reconstruction instead of conventional asphalt.

The decision, she said, was intended to ensure that the road would be built to withstand prolonged use.

“Mr President said they should award the contract and make sure that the contract will be reinforced concrete, not just asphalt,” she added.

The Mokwa-Bida road is an important transport route in Niger State, connecting communities and supporting the movement of passengers, agricultural produce and other goods.

Poor road conditions can increase travel time, raise vehicle maintenance costs and expose road users to greater risks.