Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has rejected claims that hunger in Nigeria is as widespread as critics suggest, saying many Nigerians are benefiting from policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Arise Television on Tuesday, Onanuga said government programmes, including road projects, student loans and credit facilities for workers, are making a real impact.
He recalled a trip from Ibadan to Lagos and praised a newly built concrete road around the Ijebu-Ode area.
“One day I was traveling 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, concrete road. I said, ‘Wow, when was this one built?’” he said.
According to him, the road has changed attitudes in the area.
“I found that our people, I mean, our Ijebu people, have stopped complaining. I said, ‘Oh, no wonder they now have a brand new road that’s not just an asphalt road, a concrete road.’”
Onanuga also said the coastal highway project has cut travel time for residents.
“I live in Ajah. Anytime I go to Lagos, and I ask Google Maps to tell me how soon I will get home, Google Maps will tell me one hour, seven minutes. Before, it was two hours, 30 minutes, and the reason for that is that we now have a coastal road that has shortened my travel time,” he said.
“Is that not beneficial? What are people talking about really?”
He also highlighted the student loan scheme and low-interest loans for civil servants, arguing that government policies are helping citizens. While acknowledging economic challenges, Onanuga said his personal experience does 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 because I see them, and I keep asking them questions: how are things, how are they adjusting, what are the problems?” he said.
“If you are a parent and you have four children in university, and they’re able to access federal loan, which is interest free, are they not benefiting?” he asked.
“If you are a civil servant and you can access the credit card, very cheap loan at below interest, it is about seven per cent. Now people can access that loan at single digit. Are they not benefiting as well?” he added.
