I Don’t See the Level of Hunger Nigerians Complain About — Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said he does not share the view that the level of hunger frequently highlighted by critics accurately reflects conditions across Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Onanuga maintained that several policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration are already delivering benefits to citizens in different sectors.

According to him, government investments in infrastructure, student financing and access to affordable credit have positively impacted many Nigerians despite ongoing economic challenges.

Onanuga cited improvements in road infrastructure as one of the visible achievements of the administration.

Recalling a recent journey from Ibadan to Lagos, he said he was surprised to discover a newly constructed concrete road around the Ijebu-Ode axis after being redirected by Google Maps due to traffic congestion.

“One day I was traveling from Ibadan to Lagos, and Google Maps told me there was traffic approaching Lagos, so I took the Ijebu-Ode route through Shagamu. I suddenly found myself on a concrete road and wondered when it was built,” he said.

According to him, the road project has significantly improved transportation in the area and reduced complaints from residents.

He also pointed to the ongoing coastal highway project, saying it has reduced travel time for people living along the Lagos corridor.

“I live in Ajah. Anytime I travel into Lagos and ask Google Maps how long it will take to get home, it now says one hour and seven minutes. Before, it was over two hours. The coastal road has shortened travel time considerably,” he said.

The presidential spokesman further highlighted the Federal Government’s student loan scheme and low-interest credit facilities for civil servants as examples of programmes easing financial pressures on households.

“If parents have children in university who can access interest-free student loans, they are benefiting. If civil servants can access single-digit interest loans, they are also benefiting,” he stated.

Onanuga argued that public discussions often focus on negative narratives while overlooking positive developments.

Although he acknowledged economic difficulties resulting from ongoing reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange liberalisation, he insisted that his personal interactions do not reflect the level of hardship frequently portrayed in public discourse.

He expressed confidence that the administration’s reforms would continue to yield long-term economic benefits for Nigerians.