Onanuga: I don’t see the level of hunger Nigerians complain about

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said he disagrees with critics who claim widespread hunger in Nigeria, arguing that many citizens benefit from policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

During a Tuesday interview on Arise Television, Onanuga highlighted several government initiatives that he believes have provided tangible benefits, citing infrastructure projects, student loans, and credit facilities for workers.

He said recent road projects have markedly improved travel experiences for many Nigerians.

Onanuga recalled a recent trip from Ibadan to Lagos, during which he was impressed by a newly built concrete road along the Ijebu‑Ode axis.

“One day I was traveling from Ibadan to Lagos, and Google Maps told me that there’s a go‑slow in the approach to Lagos, and I decided to take Ijebu‑Ode via Shagamu. What struck me most was that I just found myself on a paved road, concrete road. I said, ‘Wow, when was this one built?’” he said.

He added that the road had altered public perception in the region.

“I found that our people, I mean, 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, a concrete road.’”

Onanuga also cited the coastal highway project, claiming it has reduced travel time for residents.

“I live in Ajah. Anytime I go to Lagos, and I ask Google Maps to tell me how soon I will get home, Google Maps will tell me one hour, seven minutes. Before, it was two hours, 30 minutes, and the reason for that is that we now have a coastal road that has shortened my travel time,” he said.

“Is that not beneficial? What are people talking about really?”

The presidential aide also highlighted the federal government’s student loan scheme and low‑interest credit available to civil servants as evidence that government policies are making a difference.

“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.

“If you are a civil servant and you can access the credit card, very cheap loan at below interest, it is about seven per cent. Now people can access that loan at single digit. Are they not benefiting as well?”

Onanuga said public discourse has become dominated by assumptions that overlook positive developments.

“We have been pigeonholed into certain assumptions, certain conclusions,” he said.

Referring to a viral incident early in the Tinubu administration, he recalled a video of the president returning from a mosque in Lagos that was accompanied by a voice‑over suggesting widespread hunger.

“I think the President went to Lagos, he was coming from the Central Mosque, and somebody now did a voice‑over saying ‘Ebi n pawa o,’ and that means we are hungry. Since then, people have been saying that,” he said.

While acknowledging economic challenges, Onanuga said his personal interactions do not reflect the scale of hardship often 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 I keep asking them questions: how are things, how are they adjusting, what are the problems?” he said.

His remarks come amid ongoing debate over the economic impact of the Tinubu administration’s reforms, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, which have increased living costs but which