The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has defended the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, saying he does not personally observe the level of hunger often portrayed in public discussions about the country’s economic situation.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Onanuga argued that the Tinubu administration’s reforms and infrastructure investments are beginning to yield tangible benefits for Nigerians, despite concerns expressed by critics and opposition figures.
According to the presidential aide, several government projects are already improving the quality of life in different parts of the country, particularly in the area of road infrastructure.
To illustrate his point, Onanuga recounted a recent journey from Ibadan to Lagos, during which he was redirected by Google Maps due to traffic congestion on the usual route.
He explained that he opted to travel through Ijebu-Ode and Shagamu, where he encountered what he described as impressive road infrastructure that had transformed the experience of commuters and residents.
“One day, I was traveling 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,” he said.
“What struck me most was that I just found myself on a paved road, concrete road. I said, ‘Wow, when was this one built?'”
Onanuga said the development helped him understand why residents in the area appeared more satisfied with government efforts, noting that improved infrastructure was making a visible difference in their daily lives.
“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 added.
However, the Presidency has consistently maintained that the reforms are necessary to reposition the economy for long-term growth and that their benefits will become increasingly evident as implementation progresses.
