Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has pushed back against claims of widespread hunger in Nigeria, insisting that many citizens are benefiting from programmes and infrastructure projects introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, Onanuga argued that despite concerns over the economy and rising living costs, government policies were delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.
Using road infrastructure as an example, the presidential aide recounted a recent journey from Ibadan to Lagos, during which he stumbled upon a newly constructed road after diverting from a traffic-congested route.
“I just found myself on a paved road, concrete road. I said, ‘Wow, when was this one built?'” he said.
He also highlighted the ongoing coastal highway project, saying it had significantly reduced his travel time between Lagos Island and Ajah.
“Before, it was two hours, 30 minutes,” Onanuga said, noting that the journey now takes just over an hour.
According to him, beyond infrastructure, several government interventions are helping to ease financial burdens on households.
He pointed to the Federal Government’s student loan scheme and low-interest credit facilities for civil servants as examples of policies directly benefiting ordinary Nigerians.
“If you are a parent and you have four children in university, and they’re able to access federal loan, which is interest free, are they not benefiting?” he asked.
Onanuga argued that public discourse often emphasises hardship while paying little attention to positive developments and the gains from ongoing reforms.
While acknowledging that economic difficulties persist, he said his personal experiences and interactions do not align with widespread narratives of severe hunger.
“I don’t see the level of hunger people are talking about,” he said.
His remarks come amid continuing debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market.
While critics argue that the measures have contributed to soaring inflation and increased hardship for millions of Nigerians, the Federal Government has maintained that the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth.
Boluwatife Enome
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