Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that he does not agree with the claims that the level hunger often described by critics, accurately reflects the situation across Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Onanuga asserted that many Nigerians are benefiting from the policies introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, government initiatives such as infrastructure projects, student loan programs and credit facilities for workers have a positive effect on citizens.
The presidential aide cited a recent trip from Ibadan to Lagos, during which he said he noticed improvements in road infrastructure, especially around the Ijebu-Ode axis. He suggested that public conversations about the country often overlook events that he believes have tangible benefits.
“We are stuck in certain assumptions, certain conclusions“, he said.
Onanuga also referred to a viral video from the early days of Tinubu’s administration, in which the president was captured returning from a mosque in Lagos.
“I think the president went to Lagos, he was coming from the Central Mosque, and somebody now said ‘Ebi n pawa o’, which means we are hungry. Since then people have been saying that“, he said.
He argued that the accompanying narrative of widespread hunger contributed to a perception that may not fully capture the experiences of all Nigerians.
While acknowledging the existence of economic challenges, the presidential spokesman maintained that his observations and interactions did not support the view that the reported difficulties were a reality in every part of the country.
“I am Nigerian. I have people working for me privately. I don’t see the level of hunger that people are talking about because I see them and I keep asking them questions: how are things, how are they adapting, what are the problems?” he said.
Watch the video below…
I do not see the level of hunger Nigerians are complaining about — Onanuga
I have people who work privately for me and I ask them questions about how they survive and adapt. This government increased the minimum wage by more than 100%.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to… pic.twitter.com/nixPTCyBT8— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) June 23, 2026
