Engr. Abdulauf Adamu, a director at Jigawa State Polytechnic, has challenged claims made by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who recently minimized reports of widespread hunger in Nigeria. Onanuga, serving as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, had suggested that he does not personally observe such hunger based on interactions with his private staff. Adamu argued that relying on anecdotal evidence from a small circle of employees is insufficient to assess the conditions of over 220 million people.
Adamu emphasized that the food crisis is supported by empirical data rather than political opposition, pointing to reports from the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation. He highlighted rising costs for staples like rice, eggs, and beans, noting that inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of average households. Furthermore, Adamu criticized the government’s focus on infrastructure projects, stating that new roads do not substitute for a family’s basic need for meals.
Political analyst Kabiru Ojo echoed these sentiments, urging government officials to leave their offices to witness the economic reality faced by citizens. Ojo remarked that those residing in the comfort of Aso Rock may be shielded from the daily struggles of the public, where many have been forced to cut meals or withdraw children from school due to rising costs. While Ojo acknowledged a slight reduction in poverty compared to the previous year due to the new minimum wage and food imports, he maintained that the hardship remains severe. Both experts concluded that the government must stop dismissing public outcry and instead confront the genuine economic challenges impacting the nation.
