I Don’t See The Hunger Nigerians Are Talking About – Onanuga

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has defended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying he does not personally observe the level of hunger and hardship frequently portrayed in public discussions about Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Onanuga argued that while economic challenges exist, several government policies and infrastructure projects are already improving the lives of many Nigerians.

According to him, ongoing investments in road infrastructure, student loans and low-interest credit facilities are producing tangible benefits that are often overlooked in public discourse.

Onanuga cited his personal experiences while travelling within the South-West as evidence of progress under the current administration.

He recalled a recent journey from Ibadan to Lagos during which he diverted through Ijebu-Ode after receiving traffic alerts and was impressed by the quality of newly constructed roads in the area.

“One day, I was travelling 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, a concrete road. I said, ‘Wow, when was this one built?'” he said.

The presidential aide noted that residents in the area appeared satisfied with the development, adding that infrastructure improvements were having a direct impact on communities.

He also pointed to the ongoing coastal highway project, which he said has significantly reduced travel time for commuters along the Lekki-Ajah corridor in Lagos.

Using his own daily commute as an example, Onanuga explained that travel time from Lagos Island to Ajah had dropped considerably due to the road project.

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

Beyond infrastructure, Onanuga highlighted the Federal Government’s student loan scheme and access to low-interest loans for civil servants as key interventions designed to cushion economic pressures and support citizens.

He maintained that many Nigerians are already benefiting from these programmes despite the widespread narrative of hardship.

Addressing concerns about hunger and rising living costs, Onanuga said his interactions with ordinary Nigerians do not reflect the extreme picture often painted in public debates.

“I am 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 keep asking them questions about how they are adjusting and what their challenges are,” he stated.

He also referenced the popular phrase “Ebi n pawa o,” which gained traction in the early days of the Tinubu administration, arguing that it contributed to a dominant narrative about hunger across the country.

While acknowledging that economic difficulties remain, the presidential spokesman insisted that ongoing reforms require time to yield full results and should be assessed alongside the visible gains being recorded in infrastructure development and social intervention programmes.

His comments come amid continuing debates over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate reforms, which many Nigerians say have increased the cost of living.

Despite criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, the Federal Government maintains that the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth.