TINUBU’S AIDE SAYS CLAIMS OF WIDESPREAD HUNGER IN NIGERIA ARE OVERSTATED

TINUBU’S AIDE SAYS CLAIMS OF WIDESPREAD HUNGER IN NIGERIA ARE OVERSTATED

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has defended the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that he does not personally observe the level of hunger and hardship many Nigerians frequently complain about amid the country’s ongoing economic challenges.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Onanuga said several policies introduced by the current administration are already producing positive results for citizens, particularly in infrastructure development, access to credit, and educational support programmes.

According to him, improvements in road infrastructure across parts of the country are among the visible achievements of the administration. He cited a recent journey from Ibadan to Lagos, where he was impressed by newly completed road projects.

Onanuga explained that while travelling, he decided to take an alternative route through Ijebu-Ode after traffic updates indicated congestion on the main Lagos route. He said he was surprised to discover a newly constructed concrete road along the corridor.

He noted that residents in the area appeared satisfied with the development, adding that infrastructure investments are beginning to improve the daily experiences of many Nigerians.

The presidential aide also referenced the ongoing Lagos coastal highway project, saying it has significantly reduced travel time for commuters, including himself. According to him, a trip from central Lagos to Ajah that previously lasted over two hours now takes roughly an hour because of the improved road network.

Questioning continued criticism of government performance, Onanuga argued that such infrastructure projects directly benefit ordinary Nigerians and should be acknowledged in discussions about the economy.

Beyond infrastructure, he highlighted the Federal Government’s student loan scheme as another policy aimed at reducing financial pressure on families. He said parents with multiple children in tertiary institutions can now access interest-free educational loans, easing the burden of tuition payments.

He further pointed to credit facilities being offered to civil servants at single-digit interest rates, saying the initiative provides workers with more affordable access to financial support.

Onanuga argued that public conversations surrounding Nigeria’s economic situation often focus heavily on hardship while overlooking areas where government interventions are beginning to produce measurable impact.

He also recalled a viral video that circulated shortly after President Tinubu assumed office, in which a voice-over repeatedly suggested widespread hunger among Nigerians. According to him, that narrative has since shaped much of the public discourse around the administration.

While acknowledging that economic difficulties remain a reality for many citizens, Onanuga maintained that his personal interactions do not reflect the level of hardship often portrayed publicly.

He said he regularly interacts with people around him and often asks questions about how they are coping with the country’s economic situation, insisting that the level of hunger frequently discussed in public conversations does not match what he personally observes.

His remarks come at a time when concerns over rising inflation, high food prices, unemployment, and the cost of living continue to dominate national conversations, with many Nigerians calling for stronger economic relief measures from the Federal Government.