"I DON'T SEE THE LEVEL OF HUNGER NIGERIANS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT" - PRESIDENTIAL AIDE BAYO ONANUGA

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has pushed back against claims of widespread hunger in Nigeria, arguing that many citizens are benefiting from policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking on Arise Television, Onanuga said government programmes and infrastructure projects are delivering tangible benefits despite concerns about the economy.

Citing road projects as an example, he recalled a recent trip from Ibadan to Lagos where he unexpectedly drove on a newly constructed concrete 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.

Onanuga also highlighted the ongoing coastal highway project, saying it has reduced his travel time between Lagos Island and Ajah. “Before, it was two hours, 30 minutes,” he said, noting that the journey now takes just over an hour.

The presidential aide further pointed to the Federal Government’s student loan scheme and low-interest credit facilities for civil servants, arguing that such initiatives are easing financial pressure on many families.

“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.

According to Onanuga, public discussions often focus on hardship while overlooking positive developments. While acknowledging that economic challenges exist, he maintained that his personal interactions do not reflect the level of hunger frequently portrayed in public debates.

“I don’t see the level of hunger people are talking about,” he said.

His remarks come amid ongoing debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalisation, which have contributed to rising living costs but which the government says are necessary for long-term economic stability.