Comments by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga have sparked widespread debate after he questioned claims of severe hunger and hardship across Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on June 23, 2026, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy addressed concerns over inflation, rising food prices, and the cost-of-living crisis.
While acknowledging the country’s economic challenges, Onanuga said his personal observations do not reflect the level of deprivation frequently highlighted by critics of the administration.
“I’m a Nigerian, I have people working for me privately, I don’t see the level of hunger you people are complaining about,” he said.
The remark quickly drew reactions from supporters and critics alike. Backers of the government argued that economic conditions vary across regions, professions, and income groups, and that ongoing reforms require time to deliver broad benefits.
Critics, however, contended that rising food prices, transportation costs, utility bills, and inflation continue to place significant pressure on households nationwide. They argued that economic performance should be measured by its impact on ordinary citizens and their purchasing power.
Onanuga’s comments come amid continuing debate over the Federal Government’s economic reforms, with officials defending the policies as necessary steps toward long-term stability and growth, while opposition figures and civil society groups maintain that many Nigerians are still struggling with the immediate effects of rising living costs.
