Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga has sparked controversy after claiming that complaints about hardship and hunger in the country are exaggerated.
He also affirmed that many Nigerians are benefiting from the policies and economic reforms of the current administration.
Onanuga made the claims during a Tuesday interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, where he defended the policies of the president and dismissed claims of widespread hardship and insecurity across the country.
Furthermore, Onanuga argued that claims of widespread hunger had been amplified by narratives that gained traction shortly after President Tinubu assumed office.
He said, “We have been pigeon-holed into certain assumptions and conclusions,” he said.
“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.
“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 (workers) and I keep asking them questions. How are things? How are they adjusting? What are the problems?”
Hardship soars as Nigeria’s inflation rate rises to 15.93%
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently stated that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate has climbed to 15.93 percent in May 2026.
The NBS announced the increase in its consumer price index (CPI) report . The latest record marks the third consecutive increase in 2026.
Additionally, according to NBS, the annual rate of food inflation in May 2026 was 16.96 percent, up from 16.68 percent in April.
The data also shows that the inflation rate fell below the 24.55 percent recorded during the corresponding period last year.
Consequently, the impact of the rising inflation on Nigerians equals rise in food cost and increased cost of living.
Read Also: Hardship soars as Nigeria’s inflation rate rises to 15.93%, third time in one month
Economic hardship could hinder Tinubu’s re-election bid
Amid the hardship and hunger, Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, recently said that rising insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election if they are not urgently addressed.
Speaking in an interview with Seun Okinbaloye on the country’s current situation, Dalung said many Nigerians are becoming increasingly frustrated due to growing insecurity, unemployment, and economic difficulties.
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Meanwhile, Onanuga’s remarks comes only few weeks after he urged Nigerians to avoid sharing unverified photos and videos, especially those relating to alleged killings and abductions of schoolchildren.
Bayo Onanuga advised citizens to always confirm the authenticity of such content before circulating it on social media.
Also Read: Bayo Onanuga Issues Strong Warning: ‘Tinubu Must Complete Eight Years’
His comment followed a video shared by comedian DeeOne, who posted images claiming to show schoolchildren killed, while also warning against the spread of false information and its potential to cause panic.
