Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has stirred public debate after challenging widespread claims that hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria have reached extreme levels.
Speaking during a television interview, the presidential aide argued that several government programmes and infrastructure projects are already delivering measurable benefits to citizens despite ongoing economic challenges.
Onanuga pointed to recent road developments as an example of progress under the current administration. Recounting a trip from Ibadan to Lagos, he said he was pleasantly surprised to encounter a newly completed concrete road while travelling through the Ijebu-Ode route.
According to him, the quality of the road infrastructure had significantly improved transportation in the area and positively influenced the mood of residents who now enjoy easier movement.
He also highlighted the impact of the ongoing coastal highway project, noting that it has considerably reduced travel time for commuters. Using his personal experience, he explained that journeys which previously took several hours can now be completed much faster because of improved road networks.
Beyond infrastructure, Onanuga emphasized government-backed financial initiatives aimed at easing pressure on households. He cited the student loan programme, which provides interest-free educational funding, as well as low-interest credit facilities designed to assist workers and civil servants.
He argued that families with children in tertiary institutions and workers who have access to affordable loans are already benefiting from policies introduced by the administration.
The presidential aide further stated that public conversations about the economy often focus heavily on negative narratives while overlooking areas where progress is being made.
Referring to a widely circulated social media video from the early days of the administration, Onanuga suggested that public perceptions about widespread hunger were reinforced by viral online content that quickly gained traction across the country.
While acknowledging that Nigerians are facing economic difficulties, he maintained that his personal observations and interactions with people around him do not reflect the scale of hardship frequently portrayed in public discussions.
According to him, he regularly engages with workers and ordinary citizens to understand how they are coping with current economic realities and believes the situation is more nuanced than commonly presented.
His comments come amid continuing concerns over the rising cost of living in Nigeria. Since the implementation of major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange-rate adjustments, households have faced increased expenses for food, transportation, energy, and other basic necessities.
The sharp rise in the prices of staple foods and essential goods has placed significant pressure on many families and businesses, fueling ongoing debates over the pace and impact of the administration’s economic policies.
Onanuga’s remarks are likely to further intensify discussions about whether the benefits of current reforms are reaching citizens quickly enough to offset the burden of rising living costs.
