The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said he does not share the view that Nigeria is experiencing the level of hunger often portrayed in public discussions, insisting that many Nigerians are already benefiting from the Federal Government’s policies and reforms
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Onanuga acknowledged that economic challenges remain but argued that several government initiatives are providing relief to citizens and contributing to national development.
He pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects as evidence of progress, citing improvements in road networks and the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. According to him, these projects have enhanced connectivity and reduced travel times in some parts of the country.
Onanuga also highlighted the Federal Government’s student loan programme and low-interest loan facilities for civil servants, describing them as interventions designed to ease financial pressures on households.
According to the presidential spokesman, public discourse often focuses on the hardships associated with ongoing economic reforms while paying less attention to the benefits and opportunities they create.
“I don’t see the level of hunger people are talking about,” Onanuga said, adding that his observations and interactions suggest that many Nigerians are benefiting from government programmes.
His remarks come amid ongoing debates 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 policies have contributed to rising living costs and inflation, the Federal Government maintains that the reforms are necessary to strengthen the economy and support long-term growth.
