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Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has stated that he does not agree with claims that the level of hunger often described by critics accurately reflects the situation across Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Onanuga argued that many Nigerians are benefiting from policies introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, government initiatives such as infrastructure projects, student loan programmes, and credit facilities for workers are having a positive impact on citizens.
The presidential aide cited a recent trip from Ibadan to Lagos, during which he said he observed improvements in road infrastructure, particularly around the Ijebu-Ode axis. He suggested that public conversations about the country often overlook developments that he believes are producing tangible benefits.
“We have been pigeonholed into certain assumptions, certain conclusions,” he said.
Onanuga also referenced a viral video from the early days of the Tinubu administration, in which the president was filmed returning from a mosque in Lagos.
“I think the President went to Lagos, he was coming from the Central Mosque, and somebody now did a voice-over saying ‘Ebi n pawa o,’ and that means we are hungry. Since then, people have been saying that,” he said.
He argued that the accompanying narration about widespread hunger contributed to a perception that may not fully capture the experiences of all Nigerians.
While acknowledging that economic challenges exist, the presidential spokesman maintained that his observations and interactions do not support the view that the hardship being reported represents the reality of every part of the country.
“I’m 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 I keep asking them questions: how are things, how are they adjusting, what are the problems?” he said.
Watch video below …
I Don’t See The Level Of Hunger Nigerians Are Complaining About — Onanuga
I have people working for me privately and i ask them questions about how they’re surviving and adjusting. This government has increased minimum wage by more than 100%.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to… pic.twitter.com/nixPTCyBT8— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) June 23, 2026