Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy in an interview with Arise News, has strongly defended the administration’s economic and social reforms, stating that the pains Nigerians are experiencing are the result of bold, necessary steps taken to correct long standing structural issues. He made these remarks in a recent interview addressing criticisms of the Tinubu government’s midterm performance.
Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu inherited a challenging economic landscape when he assumed office in May 2023. Contrary to public perception, he argued that the much-criticized removal of the fuel subsidy was not the cause of the country’s fuel scarcity, but rather a response to an existing crisis.
Onanuga insisted that the administration made the hard but right decision to end the fuel subsidy, which he described as a “drain on future generations.” He credited the move with opening up the petroleum sector to competition and investment, citing the entry of private players like Dangote and increased investment in the oil industry as positive outcomes.
He highlighted “We have very short memory. We just blame Tinubu for all the problems Nigeria is facing.” “In May 2023, when President Tinubu took over, there was already a fuel shortage.” “NNPC was no longer willing to import fuel because the government owed it over 4 trillion naira. The subsidy regime was simply unsustainable.”
Despite Onanuga’s assurances, public sentiment remains divided. While some acknowledge the necessity of reforms, many continue to express frustration over the slow pace of relief amid rising living costs and economic uncertainty.
As the Tinubu administration enters the second half of its tenure, all eyes remain on its ability to translate policy promises into measurable improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.
Love Reading Authentic News Stories, Click The Button Below
