Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has pushed back against claims that the level of hunger often highlighted by critics accurately reflects the situation across Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, the presidential aide argued that many Nigerians are already benefiting from policies and programmes introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to Onanuga, government initiatives ranging from infrastructure development to student loan schemes and credit facilities for workers are beginning to make a positive impact on citizens.
Government Policies Yielding Results, Says Onanuga
While discussing the state of the economy, Onanuga pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects as evidence of progress under the current administration.
He cited a recent journey from Ibadan to Lagos, during which he observed improvements in road infrastructure, particularly around the Ijebu-Ode corridor.
According to him, public discourse surrounding Nigeria’s challenges often overlooks developments that are producing visible benefits.
“We have been pigeonholed into certain assumptions, certain conclusions,” he said.
References Viral ‘Ebi N Pawa’ Video
Onanuga also referred to a viral video from the early days of the Tinubu administration, which showed the president leaving a mosque in Lagos.
According to him, the video gained widespread attention after a voice-over was added, suggesting that Nigerians were suffering from hunger.
“I think the President went to Lagos, he was coming from the Central Mosque, and somebody now did a voice-over saying ‘Ebi n pawa o,’ and that means we are hungry. Since then, people have been saying that,” he said.
The presidential spokesman argued that the narration contributed to a broader perception of widespread hardship that, in his view, may not fully represent the experiences of all Nigerians.
‘I Don’t See the Level of Hunger People Talk About’
Although he acknowledged the existence of economic difficulties, Onanuga maintained that his personal observations and interactions with people do not support the idea that the level of hardship often reported reflects the reality everywhere in the country.
“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 remarks have since sparked discussions online, with supporters pointing to government interventions and infrastructure projects as signs of progress, while critics argue that many Nigerians continue to face significant economic challenges amid rising living costs.
The comments add to the ongoing national debate over the state of the economy and the impact of reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.
Watch the video below…
I Don’t See The Level Of Hunger Nigerians Are Complaining About — Onanuga
I have people working for me privately and i ask them questions about how they’re surviving and adjusting. This government has increased minimum wage by more than 100%.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to… pic.twitter.com/nixPTCyBT8— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) June 23, 2026
