The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has defended the administration’s economic policies, saying he does not personally see the level of hunger often portrayed in public discussions.
Speaking on Arise Television, Onanuga argued that several government programmes and infrastructure projects are already benefiting Nigerians and improving living conditions.
He cited recent improvements in road infrastructure, recalling a trip from Ibadan to Lagos during which he diverted through Ijebu-Ode and discovered a newly constructed concrete road.
“One day, I was travelling from Ibadan to Lagos, and Google Maps told me there was a traffic gridlock on the approach to Lagos, so I decided to pass through Ijebu-Ode via Shagamu.
“What struck me most was that I just found myself on a paved road, a concrete road. I said, ‘Wow, when was this one built?’” he said.
According to Onanuga, residents of the area have expressed satisfaction with the project.
“I found that our people, our Ijebu people, have stopped complaining. I said, ‘Oh, no wonder they now have a brand-new road that’s not just an asphalt road, but a concrete road,’” he added.
The presidential spokesman also pointed to the ongoing coastal highway project, saying it has significantly reduced travel time for commuters.
“I live in Ajah. Anytime I go to Lagos and ask Google Maps how soon I will get home, it tells me one hour and seven minutes. Before, it was two hours and 30 minutes because we now have a coastal road that has shortened my travel time.
“Is that not beneficial? What are people talking about really?” he asked.
Onanuga further highlighted the Federal Government’s student loan scheme and low-interest credit facilities for workers as key interventions aimed at easing economic pressure on citizens.
“If you are a parent and you have four children in university and they can access a federal loan that is interest-free, are they not benefiting?
“If you are a civil servant and can access a very cheap loan at a single-digit interest rate, are you not benefiting as well?” he said.
He argued that public conversations about the economy often overlook some of the gains recorded by the administration.
“We have been pigeonholed into certain assumptions and certain conclusions,” he stated.
Recalling a viral video from the early days of the Tinubu administration, Onanuga said the narrative of widespread hunger gained traction after a video surfaced with a voice-over saying, “Ebi n pawa o” (we are hungry).
While acknowledging that many Nigerians face economic challenges, he maintained that his personal experiences do not reflect the level of hardship frequently described.
“I’m a Nigerian. I have people working for me privately. I don’t see the level of hunger people are talking about because I see them, and I keep asking them questions: how are things, how are they adjusting, what are the problems?” he said.