Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has challenged widespread claims of severe hunger across Nigeria, arguing that the situation often portrayed by critics does not fully reflect the experiences of many citizens benefiting from government policies.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Onanuga maintained that several initiatives introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration have delivered measurable benefits, particularly in infrastructure, education financing, and access to affordable credit. The presidential aide said public discussions on economic hardship frequently overlook gains recorded in key sectors since the administration assumed office.

Defending the government’s record, Onanuga cited ongoing road projects as examples of policies producing tangible results for ordinary Nigerians.

Recalling a recent trip from Ibadan to Lagos, he said he was surprised by the quality of a newly completed concrete road along the Ijebu-Ode route after diverting due to traffic congestion on the main expressway. According to him, the road project has significantly improved transportation in the area and altered public perception among residents.

“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.

He added that the development appeared to have reduced complaints from residents who now enjoy improved road infrastructure.

Onanuga also highlighted the impact of the ongoing coastal highway project, describing it as a major improvement for commuters. Using his personal experience, he said travel time between Ajah and central Lagos had reduced considerably compared to previous years.

“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.

He questioned criticisms that government policies were not yielding benefits, arguing that improved transportation infrastructure directly impacts the daily lives of citizens.

Beyond infrastructure, Onanuga pointed to the Federal Government’s student loan programme as a major intervention supporting families struggling with education costs.

He argued that parents with children in tertiary institutions are benefiting from access to interest-free loans that ease financial pressure. The presidential spokesman also referenced low-interest credit facilities available to civil servants, noting that workers can now access loans at single-digit interest rates.

“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?”

Onanuga suggested that public discourse has become heavily influenced by assumptions that may not fully capture conditions across the country. He recalled a viral video from the early months of the Tinubu administration in which the President was leaving a mosque in Lagos while a voice-over referenced hunger among citizens.

According to him, the incident helped fuel a narrative that has continued to dominate discussions about the economy. While acknowledging that economic difficulties exist, Onanuga maintained that his personal interactions with workers and people around him do not reflect the level of hardship often portrayed in public conversations.

“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. His comments come amid continuing national debate over the impact of economic reforms, cost-of-living pressures, and government efforts to improve living conditions across the country.