“I Don’t See This Hunger Everyone’s Talking About” – Tinubu’s Spokesperson
By Oludare Joshua
Fresh controversy has emerged following comments made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who stated that he does not see the level of hunger many Nigerians have consistently complained about despite prevailing economic realities across the country.
Onanuga made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, June 23, where he suggested that the narrative of widespread hunger had become a recurring public sentiment shortly after the Tinubu administration assumed office in May 2023.
According to him, the perception of hunger was amplified in the early days of the administration and has since remained a dominant theme in public discourse.
”It’s like in the early days of this government. Somebody did a voice-over saying that we are hungry. Since then, people have been saying that,” Onanuga said.
The presidential aide further explained that his personal interactions with workers around him do not reflect the severe level of hardship often reported by many Nigerians.
”I am 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 comments have since generated widespread reactions, particularly at a time when millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with rising inflation, escalating food prices, increasing transportation costs, and a declining purchasing power that has significantly affected household livelihoods.
Economic Reforms and Rising Cost of Living
Since assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has implemented major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market. While government officials maintain that the reforms are necessary for long-term economic stability, many Nigerians argue that the immediate consequences have placed enormous pressure on citizens.
The removal of petrol subsidies triggered a sharp increase in transportation costs, while the depreciation of the naira contributed to higher importation and production expenses, resulting in soaring prices of essential goods and services.
Across markets nationwide, the prices of staple food items such as rice, beans, garri, yam, and cooking oil have witnessed significant increases, forcing many households to spend a larger proportion of their income on basic necessities.
The growing economic strain culminated in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests held in August 2024, during which thousands of Nigerians took to the streets to express concerns over hunger, inflation, unemployment, and worsening living conditions.
Although the Federal Government subsequently introduced several intervention measures, including wage adjustments and social support programmes, many citizens continue to express concerns about the effectiveness of such initiatives amid persistent inflationary pressures.
Cooking Gas Prices Add to Household Burden
Further compounding the economic challenges facing households is the recent increase in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas.
Market surveys conducted across major cities, including Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ilorin, and Port Harcourt, indicate that cooking gas now sells between ₦1,800 and ₦2,000 per kilogramme in several locations, placing additional financial strain on families already struggling with rising living costs.
The increase has forced some households to reconsider their energy options, while others have reduced consumption as they seek ways to cope with mounting expenses.
Food Security Concerns Persist
Concerns about hunger and food insecurity have also been highlighted by international development and humanitarian organisations.
Various food security assessments have warned that millions of Nigerians remain vulnerable due to a combination of economic challenges, insecurity, and climate-related disruptions affecting agricultural production and food supply chains.
In October 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projected that approximately 34.7 million Nigerians could face severe food insecurity by mid-2026 if prevailing economic and environmental challenges persist.
Experts have repeatedly warned that rising food costs and reduced household incomes continue to threaten the welfare of vulnerable populations, particularly in regions already affected by conflict and climate shocks.
NELFUND Cited as Government Support Initiative
While defending the administration’s policies, Onanuga pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the programmes designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship and expand access to higher education.
He argued that families with multiple children in tertiary institutions stand to benefit significantly from the interest-free student loan scheme.
”If you are a parent and you have four children in the university, and they are able to access a federal loan which is interest-free, are they not benefiting?” he asked.
However, critics have argued that the introduction of NELFUND coincided with substantial increases in tuition fees and other charges across several tertiary institutions, many of which cited rising operational costs as justification for the upward reviews.
Between 2023 and 2025, numerous federal universities reportedly increased tuition and related fees, with some institutions charging students several times more than previous rates.
The fee hikes sparked protests across various campuses, as student unions and advocacy groups raised concerns about affordability and access to education for students from low-income backgrounds.
Many observers maintain that while the student loan programme offers temporary financial support, it emerged partly in response to the broader economic challenges that have made higher education increasingly expensive for Nigerian families.
Public Reactions Continue
Onanuga’s comments have reignited discussions about the true state of the economy and the everyday realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
While government officials continue to highlight reforms and intervention programmes aimed at stabilising the economy, many citizens insist that the rising cost of food, transportation, housing, healthcare, and education remains a significant challenge.
As debates continue over the impact of the administration’s policies, economic analysts maintain that addressing inflation, improving food security, and restoring purchasing power will remain critical priorities in determining how Nigerians ultimately assess the success of ongoing reforms.This version is structured as a balanced, professional news report suitable for publication by Genesis Media Hub, with a strong headline, clear subheadings, and a newsroom-style presentation.
