By Opeyemi Adelakun
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has stirred debate after saying he does not personally see the level of hunger many Nigerians complain about despite ongoing economic hardship across the country.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Onanuga defended the policies of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that several government initiatives and infrastructure projects are already improving the lives of citizens.
According to him, recent improvements in road infrastructure have reduced travel time and boosted economic activities in some parts of the country.
He cited his experience while travelling from Ibadan to Lagos, saying he was surprised to find newly constructed concrete roads around the Ijebu-Ode axis, which residents have reportedly welcomed.
Onanuga also pointed to the ongoing Lagos Coastal Highway project, noting that it has significantly shortened his daily commute between Ajah and Lagos.
The presidential aide further highlighted the Federal Government’s student loan scheme and access to low-interest loans for civil servants as key interventions designed to ease financial pressures on families.
He argued that many Nigerians benefiting from such programmes are often ignored in conversations about the economy.
While admitting that economic challenges exist, Onanuga maintained that his personal interactions with people around him do not reflect the widespread hunger frequently portrayed in public discussions.
“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 keep asking how they are coping,” he said.
His remarks come amid continued public concerns over the rising cost of living, inflation and the economic impact of reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration since assuming office in 2023.
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