**Oil Price Hike: Iran Tensions Escalate, Nigeria Feels the Pinch** A recent barrage of Iranian missiles has left Abu Dhabi residents shaken, with several tourists reportedly injured by debris from intercepted missiles. The attack, which targeted the Zayed International Airport, has been described as the worst yet in the ongoing conflict. Just as flights had resumed for stranded travelers, the airport came under attack, highlighting the escalating tensions between Iran and the international community. The consequences of this conflict are being felt far beyond the Middle East. Oil prices have surged to multi-year highs, with Brent crude reaching its highest level since January last year. This sudden increase in oil prices is a direct result of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which have disrupted oil exports from the Middle East. As a result, refiners are scrambling to deal with higher costs, which could lead to increased prices for petrol and diesel fuel at the pump. For Nigeria, this means even higher fuel prices, adding to the economic burden of our already struggling economy. The situation has taken a dramatic turn, with the US seeking help from Ukraine to protect against Iranian drone attacks in the Middle East. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced that his country will provide expert support to the US in countering these attacks. The Iranian-designed drones, known as "shaheds," have been used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, and the US is seeking to prevent their use in the Middle East. As tensions continue to escalate, the implications for Nigeria are clear. Higher oil prices mean higher fuel costs, which will further strain our economy. The situation in the Middle East is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global events and the need for African countries to be proactive in managing the economic and security risks that come with it. Only time will tell how this crisis will unfold, but one thing is certain: Nigeria must be prepared for the consequences.