‘I Don’t See the Hunger People Are Talking About’ – Bayo Onanuga

• Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has rejected claims of widespread hunger in Nigeria, insisting that many citizens are benefiting from President Bola Tinubu’s policies.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, has said he does not share the view that the level of hunger often described by critics reflects the reality across Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Onanuga argued that several policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu are already delivering tangible benefits to millions of Nigerians.

According to him, major infrastructure projects, student loans and affordable credit facilities for civil servants are positively impacting citizens.

Onanuga cited his recent journey from Ibadan to Lagos, saying he was impressed by the newly constructed concrete road around the Ijebu-Ode axis.

“I just found myself on a paved road, concrete road. I said, ‘Wow, when was this one built?’”

He also pointed to the coastal highway project, which he said has significantly reduced his travel time from Lagos Island to Ajah.

“Before, it was two hours and 30 minutes. Now Google Maps tells me one hour and seven minutes. Is that not beneficial?”

The presidential aide further highlighted the Federal Government’s student loan programme and low-interest loans for civil servants.

“If you are a parent and your children can access interest-free federal loans, are they not benefiting? If you’re a civil servant and can access a single-digit loan, are you not benefiting as well?”

While acknowledging that Nigerians face economic challenges, Onanuga maintained that his personal interactions do not reflect the level of hardship often portrayed in public discussions.

“I’m a Nigerian. I have people working for me privately. I don’t see the level of hunger people are talking about.”

He also recalled a viral video from the early days of the Tinubu administration in which a voice-over saying “Ebi n pawa o” (meaning “we are hungry”) gained widespread attention, arguing that the narrative has persisted ever since.

According to Onanuga, public discourse has become dominated by assumptions that often overlook the positive impact of government policies and ongoing development projects across the country.