Onanuga Says Government Programmes Are Benefiting Nigerians Despite Hardship Concerns

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has challenged widespread claims of severe hunger across Nigeria, insisting that many citizens are benefiting from key government initiatives.

Speaking on Arise Television, Onanuga said public discussions often focus on negative assumptions while overlooking gains from infrastructure projects and social intervention programmes introduced by the current administration.

According to him, newly completed roads have improved transportation and reduced travel time for many Nigerians.

Reflecting on a recent journey from Ibadan to Lagos through the Ijebu-Ode route, he said he was surprised by the quality of a newly constructed concrete road.

“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 added that residents in the area now appear more satisfied because of the development.

The presidential spokesman also referenced the coastal highway project, which he said has improved commuting conditions around Lagos.

“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,” he said.

Onanuga questioned criticism of government policies, arguing that their benefits are visible in everyday life.

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

He further cited the student loan programme and affordable loans available to public servants as examples of measures designed to ease financial pressure on Nigerians.

“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.

The presidential aide said discussions about hardship gained momentum after a viral video during the early days of the Tinubu administration, in which a voice-over repeatedly suggested Nigerians were hungry.

“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.

Despite acknowledging economic challenges, Onanuga maintained that the severity of hunger often described by critics does not align with what he observes in his daily interactions.

“I’m a Nigerian. I have people working for me privately. I don’t see the level of hunger people are talking about,” he said.

His remarks come as discussions continue over the economic effects of reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market.

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