Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, says he does not see the level of hunger many Nigerians complain about.
Onanuga spoke during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday.
Defends Tinubu’s policies
Onanuga argued that many Nigerians are already benefiting from the administration’s policies.
He cited infrastructure projects, student loans and credit facilities as examples.
According to him, new roads have improved travel times in parts of the country.
“One day I was travelling from Ibadan to Lagos and Google Maps directed me through Ijebu,” he said.
“I found myself on a concrete road and I asked when it was built.”
He added that the road has improved transportation in the area.
Cites Lagos coastal road
Furthermore, Onanuga said the Lagos coastal road has reduced travel time for residents.
He said his journey from Lagos Island to Ajah now takes significantly less time.
“Anytime I go to Lagos and ask Google Maps how soon I will get home, it tells me one hour and seven minutes,” he said.
“Before, it was about two hours and 30 minutes.”
“The reason is that we now have a coastal road that has shortened travel time.”
Highlights student loans
Meanwhile, Onanuga pointed to the federal government’s student loan scheme.
He said many parents now spend less on tertiary education.
“If you are a parent and you have four children in university who can access federal loans, are you not benefiting?” he asked.
He also referenced low-interest credit facilities for civil servants.
According to him, the programmes are helping many Nigerians cope with economic challenges.
‘I don’t see it’
In addition, Onanuga questioned claims of widespread hunger across the country.
He said his personal experience does not reflect the picture often painted in public discussions.
“Since then, people have been saying, ‘We are hungry’,” he said.
“I’m a Nigerian. I have people working for me privately.”
“I don’t see the level of what people are talking about.”
He added that he regularly speaks with people around him about their living conditions.
“I keep asking them questions. How are things? How are they adjusting? What are the problems?” he said.
