Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, insisting that the administration is making measurable progress despite growing concerns over the rising cost of living across Nigeria.
Speaking during an appearance on ARISE News, Onanuga highlighted several achievements of the Tinubu administration, including the increase of the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000, ongoing infrastructure projects, student loan initiatives, and improvements in power generation capacity. According to him, these developments demonstrate that government policies are beginning to yield positive results.
The presidential aide, however, sparked debate after suggesting that he had not personally witnessed the level of hunger and hardship being described by critics of the administration. His comments quickly drew reactions from Nigerians on social media, with many sharing personal experiences of rising food prices, transportation costs, and declining purchasing power.
Critics argue that while infrastructure and policy reforms may offer long-term benefits, millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with immediate economic challenges. Concerns over inflation, unemployment, and food affordability remain major issues affecting households across the country.
Economic observers note that Nigeria’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange adjustments, have generated mixed reactions. While supporters say the policies are necessary for long-term economic stability, opponents contend that the short-term impact has placed significant pressure on citizens.
