Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has defended the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that he does not personally observe the level of hunger frequently described in public discussions about the country’s economy.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Onanuga said several government initiatives and infrastructure projects are already producing positive results for Nigerians.
He pointed to improvements in road infrastructure, recounting a recent journey from Ibadan to Lagos during which he discovered a newly constructed concrete road through the Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu route. According to him, residents in the area have expressed satisfaction with the development and no longer complain about poor road conditions.
The presidential aide also highlighted the ongoing coastal highway project, noting that it has significantly reduced travel time for commuters. He explained that journeys that previously took over two hours now require much less time due to improved road networks.
Onanuga further cited the Federal Government’s student loan programme as one of the key interventions helping families cope with educational expenses. He argued that parents with multiple children in higher institutions can benefit from interest-free loans made available through the initiative.
In addition, he referenced low-interest credit facilities for civil servants, describing them as affordable financial support designed to ease economic pressures and improve access to funding.
According to him, public conversations about Nigeria’s economic situation often fail to acknowledge some of the benefits generated by ongoing government programmes.
Reflecting on the widespread narrative about hunger in the country, Onanuga recalled a viral video that gained attention shortly after the current administration took office, claiming that it contributed to the perception of severe hardship nationwide.
While admitting that economic challenges exist, he maintained that his personal experiences and interactions with people around him do not reflect the extent of hardship frequently portrayed in public debates.
He added that he regularly engages with workers and people within his circle to understand their living conditions and believes that many Nigerians are gradually adjusting to current economic realities while benefiting from government interventions.
