Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has stated that he does not observe the severe level of hunger that many Nigerians and critics frequently describe amid ongoing economic challenges. In a recent television interview, the presidential aide defended the administration’s policies while acknowledging difficulties faced by citizens, insisting that his personal interactions reveal a more nuanced reality of adaptation and gradual benefits from government reforms.
Onanuga explained that he regularly engages with people in his employ and others around him, inquiring about their living conditions and adjustments to the current economic environment. “I am a Nigerian. I have people working for me privately. I do not see the level of hunger people are talking about because I see them, and I keep asking them questions about how things are, how they are adjusting, and what the problems might be,” he said. He pointed to initiatives such as the significant increase in the minimum wage, which rose by more than 100 percent, as evidence that the government is addressing workers’ welfare.
The comments come against a backdrop of public discourse highlighting rising food prices, inflation, and the cost of living following key reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange liberalization. Onanuga suggested that perceptions of extreme hardship were amplified by early narratives in the administration, including a viral video that popularized certain claims. He emphasized that many Nigerians are benefiting from infrastructure improvements, access to student loans, and other interventions designed to provide long-term economic stability, even as short-term pains persist.
Critics have reacted sharply to the remarks, viewing them as disconnected from the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. However, the presidential aide maintained that while challenges exist, the broader picture includes tangible progress and resilience among the population. His statement underscores the ongoing debate between official optimism and public sentiment regarding the Tinubu administration’s economic direction.
