‘I Don’t See the Hunger Nigerians Complain About’ — Onanuga Defends Tinubu’s Economic Policies

 

By Abel Chigozie 

Presidential spokesman, , has questioned the widespread narrative of severe hunger in Nigeria, arguing that several intervention programmes introduced by the Federal Government are providing relief to citizens.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Onanuga maintained that many Nigerians are benefiting from government-backed initiatives, including student loans and low-interest credit facilities designed to ease economic pressures.

According to him, families with children in tertiary institutions now have access to interest-free education loans through the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, reducing the financial burden on parents.

“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.

The presidential aide also highlighted credit schemes available to workers, particularly civil servants, noting that affordable loans with single-digit interest rates are helping many Nigerians cope with current economic realities.

“If you are a civil servant and you can access the credit card, very cheap loan at a low interest, it is about seven per cent. Now people can access that loan at single digit. Are they not benefiting as well?” he said.

Onanuga further stated that his personal interactions with workers around him do not reflect the level of hardship often portrayed in public discourse.

“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 added.

His remarks come amid ongoing public debate over the economic impact of the reforms introduced by President 's administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, policies that have contributed to rising living costs and inflation.

While government officials have consistently defended the reforms as necessary for long-term economic recovery, critics and labour groups have continued to express concerns over the hardship being experienced by many Nigerians.