Bayo Onanuga has maintained that he does not personally witness the widespread hunger frequently discussed by critics of the Tinubu administration, arguing that several government policies are already having a positive impact on Nigerians.
The presidential aide made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television, where he defended the administration’s economic agenda and highlighted infrastructure projects and social intervention programmes as evidence of progress.
According to Onanuga, he recently experienced the benefits of government investment in road infrastructure during a trip from Ibadan to Lagos. He said he was redirected through Ijebu-Ode and Shagamu after being alerted to traffic congestion and was surprised to find a newly constructed concrete road along the route.
“One day, I was travelling from Ibadan to Lagos, and Google Maps told me that there’s a go-slow in the approach to Lagos, and I decided to take Ijebu-Ode via Shagamu.
“What struck me most was that I just found myself on a paved road, a concrete road. I said, ‘Wow, when was this one built?’”
He noted that residents in the area now appear more satisfied due to the improved road network.
“I found that our people, I mean, our Ijebu people, have stopped complaining. I said, ‘Oh, no wonder they now have a brand new road that’s not just an asphalt road, a concrete road,’” he said.
Onanuga also cited the ongoing coastal highway project, saying it has significantly reduced commuting time for many road users, including himself.
“I live in Ajah. Anytime I go to Lagos, and I ask Google Maps to tell me how soon I will get home, Google Maps will tell me one hour, seven minutes. Before, it was two hours, 30 minutes, and the reason for that is that we now have a coastal road that has shortened my travel time.”
Defending the government’s performance, he questioned why some Nigerians continue to dismiss such developments.
“Is that not beneficial? What are people talking about, really?” he asked.
The presidential spokesman further pointed to the Federal Government’s interest-free student loan scheme and low-interest credit facilities for workers, describing them as practical measures aimed at easing financial burdens on citizens.
“If you are a parent and you have four children in university, and they’re able to access federal loans, which are interest-free, are they not benefiting?” he said.
