Nigerians React As Onanuga Questions Scale Of Economic Hardship

The Presidency has pushed back against claims of widespread hunger across Nigeria, arguing that many citizens are already benefiting from the economic policies and intervention programmes introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday.

According to Onanuga, several initiatives implemented by the Federal Government are beginning to have a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development and workers’ welfare.

He maintained that ongoing government projects and economic reforms are yielding tangible results and helping to improve living conditions across the country.

The presidential aide also questioned the narrative that hunger is as widespread as critics suggest, stating that his personal interactions with Nigerians do not support such claims.

Onanuga said he regularly engages with people around him, including individuals who work for him, and often seeks their views on the economy and their living conditions.

He argued that while economic challenges remain, the situation is not as severe as it is sometimes portrayed in public discourse.

Reflecting on the early days of the Tinubu administration, Onanuga recalled how a viral video featuring a popular slogan about hunger helped shape public perceptions of the economy.

He suggested that since then, the narrative of widespread hardship has continued to dominate discussions, even as the government implements measures aimed at easing economic pressures.

According to him, one of the administration’s key achievements has been the significant increase in the national minimum wage, which he said has more than doubled workers’ earnings compared to previous levels.

Onanuga stressed that the wage adjustment demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers and addressing the economic realities facing households.

While acknowledging that many Nigerians continue to face economic difficulties, he insisted that the impact of the administration’s reforms should also be recognised, noting that the government remains focused on improving the economy and raising living standards.