Presidential Aide Disputes Reports of Widespread Hunger in Nigeria

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has challenged the narrative regarding the severity of economic hardship being reported across Nigeria.

In an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, the presidential spokesperson argued that the current administration’s economic policies are delivering tangible benefits to the public. He suggested that widespread claims of extreme hunger are often overstated and that many public discussions fail to account for significant government progress, particularly in infrastructure and social welfare initiatives.

To support his position, Onanuga pointed to improvements in the nation’s road networks. He cited a recent personal journey from Ibadan to Lagos, where he encountered newly constructed concrete roads that he noted had improved the quality of life for local residents. He also highlighted the coastal highway project, asserting that it has drastically reduced travel times for commuters in areas such as Ajah, which he described as a clear demonstration of the administration’s positive impact.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the presidential aide emphasized the significance of federal initiatives aimed at easing financial burdens, specifically mentioning the interest-free student loan scheme and the availability of single-digit interest credit facilities for workers. He questioned the criticism directed at the government, asking whether citizens benefitting from these programs were not seeing tangible relief.

Regarding the frequent discourse surrounding hunger, Onanuga suggested that these reports are often driven by social media trends rather than the reality experienced by all citizens.

He referenced a viral video that surfaced early in the current administration as the potential origin of a persistent narrative. While acknowledging that Nigerians face economic challenges, Onanuga stated that his personal interactions with individuals in his daily life do not align with the extreme level of deprivation often portrayed in public forums.

He maintained that he frequently engages with those working for him to understand their specific problems and adjustments, concluding that the prevailing characterization of the situation does not match his own observations.