According to a video posted by Arise News on X on June 23, 2026, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has stated that he does not see the level of hunger Nigerians are complaining about.
He made the comments while addressing questions about the rising cost of living and public dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies.
“I Don’t See The Level Of Hunger Nigerians Are Complaining About” he said.
He also added, “I have people working for me privately and i ask them questions about how they’re surviving and adjusting. This government has increased minimum wage by more than 100%.”
Onanuga acknowledged that people have been complaining about hunger, but claimed that his personal observations do not reflect the same reality.
He mentioned that he has people working for him privately and has asked them about how they are surviving and adjusting. He also noted that the government has increased the minimum wage by more than 100 percent.
“Someone shouted ‘we are hungry’ one time when the president was passing in Lagos and since then people have been saying they are hungry,” Onanuga said.
The comments have sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians accusing the presidential aide of being out of touch with the realities facing ordinary citizens.
Others pointed out that the minimum wage increase has been eroded by inflation and the rising cost of food and other essentials.
Nigeria has been grappling with a cost-of-living crisis following the removal of fuel subsidy and other economic reforms.
Food prices have soared, and many households are struggling to afford basic necessities. The government has defended its policies as necessary for long-term economic stability.
Watch the video below
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