Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has defended the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that many Nigerians are already benefiting from government interventions despite widespread concerns about rising living costs and economic hardship.
Speaking on the impact of recent government initiatives, Onanuga said he does not entirely agree with claims that hunger and hardship are as widespread as critics often portray. According to him, several policies introduced by the Federal Government are delivering measurable benefits to citizens across different sectors.
The presidential aide pointed to ongoing infrastructure development projects as one of the administration’s key achievements. Recounting a recent trip from Ibadan to Lagos, Onanuga said he was impressed by a newly constructed concrete road along the Ijebu-Ode route, describing it as a significant improvement that has positively affected residents in the area.
“One day I was traveling from Ibadan to Lagos, and Google Maps redirected me through Ijebu-Ode. I was surprised to find a well-paved concrete road and wondered when it was built,” he said.
According to him, the improved road network has changed public perception among residents who previously complained about poor infrastructure.
Onanuga also highlighted the benefits of the ongoing coastal highway project, noting that it has significantly reduced travel time for commuters. Using his personal experience as an example, he explained that journeys that previously took more than two hours now take nearly half the time due to improvements in road connectivity.
Beyond infrastructure, the presidential spokesman emphasized the Federal Government’s student loan programme as a major intervention aimed at easing financial burdens on families. He argued that parents with children in tertiary institutions are benefiting from access to interest-free educational loans, which help reduce the pressure of tuition and related expenses.
He further cited access to low-interest credit facilities for civil servants as another example of policies designed to improve the welfare of Nigerians. According to him, government-backed loans with single-digit interest rates have created opportunities for workers to meet financial needs at more affordable borrowing costs.
Onanuga maintained that public discussions often focus heavily on economic difficulties while overlooking positive developments taking place across the country. He suggested that certain narratives have shaped public perception and contributed to a broader assumption that government policies are not yielding results.
While acknowledging that economic challenges remain, the presidential spokesman insisted that his observations and interactions with citizens do not reflect the scale of hardship frequently highlighted in public discourse.
His remarks are likely to generate debate among Nigerians, especially as discussions continue over inflation, food prices, purchasing power, and the overall impact of economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.