Tinubu aware of food prices — Presidential aide

The Presidency has dismissed suggestions that President Bola Tinubu is disconnected from the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, saying he receives regular briefings on the cost of basic food items, including bread and eggs.

Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North-Central, said the President was regularly informed about the realities confronting households through her office and members of the Federal Executive Council.

Essiet, who also represents the Presidency at the North Central Citizens’ Assembly, spoke with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

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

She added, “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.”

The presidential aide also defended the administration’s infrastructure drive, describing the reconstruction of the Mokwa-Bida road in Niger State as a response to years of public complaints over its condition.

According to her, the road attracted a large crowd during her visit because residents had long called on the Federal Government to address its deteriorating state.

“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,” Essiet said.