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Tag: Poverty

  • Backlash as Onanuga Says He Doesn’t See Hunger Nigerians Are Complaining About

    Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has sparked controversy after stating that he does not see the level of hunger many Nigerians claim to be experiencing amid the country’s economic challenges.

    The presidential aide made the remark during an interview on ARISE News’ Prime Time programme on Tuesday, drawing immediate reactions from Nigerians on social media.

    Onanuga Defends Government Efforts

    Speaking during the interview, Onanuga said his personal interactions with workers around him do not reflect the severity of hunger often reported by Nigerians.

    “I don’t see the level of hunger Nigerians are complaining about,” he said, adding that the Federal Government had increased the national minimum wage by more than 100 percent.

    He noted that he regularly asks people working for him privately how they are coping with the current economic situation and believes government interventions are helping citizens adjust.

    Minimum Wage Increase Cited

    Onanuga referenced the increase in Nigeria’s minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, which took effect in 2024 following the signing of the amended minimum wage law.

    The administration has repeatedly pointed to the wage increase as part of measures designed to cushion the effects of ongoing economic reforms.

    Comments Trigger Public Reactions

    The remarks quickly generated backlash online, with many Nigerians accusing the presidential spokesman of being disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.

    Critics argued that rising food prices, transportation costs and inflation have significantly reduced the purchasing power of workers despite the wage increase.

    Several social media users questioned how government officials could dismiss widespread complaints about hardship when food inflation and living expenses remain high across the country.

    Economic Hardship Remains Major Concern

    Nigeria has continued to grapple with economic pressures following the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    While supporters of the reforms argue they are necessary for long-term economic stability, many households continue to face rising costs of food, energy and basic necessities.

    The controversy surrounding Onanuga’s comments has reignited debate over the impact of government policies and the growing perception gap between public officials and citizens.

    Debate Continues

    As reactions continue to trail the interview, no official clarification has been issued by the Presidency regarding the comments.

    The development adds to ongoing discussions about inflation, food security and the effectiveness of measures introduced to ease economic hardship across the country.

  • IMF Says Tinubu’s Reforms Improved Economy as Poverty Rate Climbs to 63%

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu have strengthened Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook, while warning that poverty and food insecurity remain major challenges across the country.

    In a statement released on Tuesday following its annual review of Nigeria’s economy, the IMF noted that reforms implemented over the past three years have improved economic resilience but have yet to ease hardship for millions of Nigerians.

    IMF Commends Economic Reforms

    Since assuming office in 2023, Tinubu’s administration has implemented several economic measures, including the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate liberalisation, and tax reforms.

    According to the IMF, these policies have contributed to stronger macroeconomic performance and improved economic stability.

    “Strong reforms over the past three years have yielded improved macroeconomic outcomes and built resilience,” the organisation stated.

    Poverty and Food Insecurity Remain High

    Despite the economic gains, the IMF said living conditions remain difficult for a large segment of the population.

    The organisation reported that poverty reached 63 percent of the population by the end of 2025, while an estimated 27 million Nigerians experienced food insecurity during the same period.

    “Still, conditions for many Nigerians remain difficult. Poverty reached 63 percent (national poverty line) and 27 million Nigerians are estimated to have faced food insecurity in the fall of 2025,” the statement added.

    The IMF’s assessment aligns with previous findings by the World Bank, which reported that poverty levels in Nigeria have steadily increased over recent years.

    Security Challenges Threaten Economic Progress

    The IMF also identified insecurity as a major risk to economic growth, particularly in northern Nigeria, where much of the country’s agricultural production takes place.

    According to the organisation, ongoing attacks by armed groups continue to disrupt economic activities and food production.

    The IMF warned that rising costs of food, fertiliser and fuel could worsen inflationary pressures and deepen hardship for vulnerable households.

    Growth Forecast Remains Positive

    Despite the challenges, the IMF projected that Nigeria’s economy would grow by 4.1 percent in 2026, following an estimated growth rate of four percent in 2025.

    The organisation noted that higher global commodity prices could increase government revenues due to Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest oil producer.

    However, it cautioned that the same factors could push up living costs and further strain household incomes.

    The IMF’s report comes as political activities begin to intensify ahead of Nigeria’s next general election, where President Tinubu is expected to seek a second term in office.

  • Portable Faults Nigerian Youths Over Hardship, Urges Unity Amid Economic Struggles

    Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has spoken about the economic hardship and insecurity facing the country, saying many Nigerians are struggling while young people remain divided instead of standing together.

    The controversial artiste made the remarks in a video shared online, where he expressed frustration over the state of the nation and called on citizens to speak out about their challenges.

    Portable Speaks On Economic Hardship

    According to Portable, many Nigerians are finding it difficult to survive due to the harsh economic situation.

    He argued that remaining silent would not help improve conditions, insisting that citizens must voice their concerns.

    “Na oppression full Nigeria. A closed mouth is a closed destiny. I need to talk. I don wake up. Na who die no go wake up again. Nigerians are hungry. There is no money in the country,” he said.

    Criticises Youths Over Lack Of Unity

    The singer also took aim at Nigerian youths, accusing them of constantly turning against one another instead of fighting collectively for their rights.

    Portable claimed that betrayal among young people has weakened efforts to demand better governance and improved living conditions.

    “Wetin dey pain me pass be say this Nigerian youths, they are all betrayers. Them no fit fight for their rights na to betray each other,” he stated.

    Comments On Insecurity

    Portable further linked the country’s hardship to growing insecurity, questioning calls for patience from citizens while many continue to face challenges.

    In the video, he suggested that Nigerians deserve better protection and living conditions.

    His comments have since generated reactions on social media, with some users agreeing with his concerns about hardship and insecurity, while others criticised parts of his remarks.

    Growing Public Concerns

    Portable’s comments come amid increasing public debate over economic difficulties, insecurity and governance in Nigeria.

    Several public figures, entertainers and activists have recently spoken out on similar issues, calling for urgent solutions to the challenges affecting citizens across the country.

  • “We Should Shut Down NASS” — APC Senator Breaks Down Over Hunger, Insecurity Under Tinubu

    A senator of the ruling All Progressives Congress has stirred reactions online after emotionally speaking about the worsening hardship, insecurity and poverty facing Nigerians.

    The lawmaker, identified as Senator Smart, made the remarks during a Senate session while addressing the growing economic crisis under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    “Nigerians Are Suffering Daily”

    In the viral video, the visibly emotional senator warned that the country’s security situation had deteriorated badly, adding that many Nigerians now live in fear and uncertainty.

    According to him, lawmakers can no longer remain silent while citizens struggle with hunger, rising costs and insecurity across different parts of the country.

    “President Tinubu should understand that we, the loyal supporters of the APC, can no longer remain silent. Our security system has collapsed, and every part of this country now lives under fear and uncertainty,” he said.

    “If we cannot save this nation, then we should as well shut down the National Assembly. There is hunger everywhere, poverty is increasing, and Nigerians are suffering daily,” the senator added.

    Hardship Debate Intensifies

    The senator’s comments come amid growing public complaints over the rising cost of living since the removal of fuel subsidy and implementation of economic reforms by the federal government.

    Many Nigerians have repeatedly expressed frustration over food inflation, transport costs and worsening insecurity in several states.

    Opposition parties, labour unions and civil society groups have also continued to mount pressure on the government over the economic situation.

    Video Sparks Reactions Online

    The video has since gone viral on social media, with many Nigerians saying the senator’s comments reflected the current realities facing ordinary citizens.

    Some users praised him for speaking openly despite belonging to the ruling party, while others questioned why lawmakers had failed to act earlier despite mounting complaints from Nigerians.

    The development has further fueled conversations around insecurity, poverty and economic hardship in the country.

  • Catholic Priest Slams ‘Break Poverty’ Prayers, Tells Nigerians to Focus on Leaders

    A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma, has sparked widespread reactions after criticising the growing trend of organising prayer sessions aimed at “breaking poverty” among struggling Nigerians.

    The cleric’s remarks, shared in a viral message, questioned the effectiveness of such gatherings in addressing real economic challenges.

    Questions over poverty-focused prayers

    Oluoma argued that directing poor people to prayer sessions focused solely on ending poverty often misplaces responsibility.

    “When men of God gather poor people to organise prayers to break poverty and you go, you are being foolish,” he said.

    While acknowledging the role of spirituality, he maintained that prayer alone cannot resolve material hardship.

    Calls for focus on leadership

    The priest insisted that Nigeria’s economic struggles are largely tied to leadership failures, not the spiritual condition of the poor.

    He suggested that political leaders should instead be the focus of spiritual intervention.

    “So instead of gathering poor people… gather Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, all the governors and ministers,” he said.

    According to him, leaders need “deliverance” from traits such as greed, incompetence, and tribalism.

    Takes aim at ‘profit-driven’ prophets

    Oluoma also criticised religious figures who claim to have the power to eliminate poverty through spiritual means.

    “Any man that claims to cure poverty by spiritual power is only using you to enrich his own pocket,” he said.

    His comments have triggered debate online, with some agreeing that systemic issues drive poverty, while others defended the role of faith.

    Leadership central to solutions

    The cleric concluded that addressing poverty requires responsible governance rather than repeated spiritual rituals.

    “To solve material problems… it is about leadership,” he said.

    His remarks add to ongoing national conversations about poverty, governance, and the role of religion in public life.

  • Man Storms APC Secretariat in Abuja, Demands Reward for 2023 Campaign Work

    A Nigerian man on Thursday stormed the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, demanding what he described as compensation for his role in the party’s 2023 election campaigns.

    Protester carries emotional placard

    The man, dressed in an APC-branded blue shirt, was seen holding a placard with the message: “Reward me or kill me,” as he expressed frustration over alleged abandonment by the party.

    He claimed he had suffered severe personal and financial losses after actively working for the APC during the last general elections.

    Claims of hardship and family struggles

    In a viral video circulating on social media, the man said he sold his house while supporting the party’s campaign activities and now has no means of survival.

    “I sold my house because of the debt I seemed to owe APC… because of the work I worked for APC,” he said.

    He also alleged that he could no longer afford his children’s school fees, claiming he had left them at the party secretariat out of desperation.

    “I dropped my children with the CSO and APC because I cannot take care of them again,” he added.

    Tension at APC headquarters

    The video showed the man pacing the entrance of the secretariat while raising his placard and shouting, as security personnel stood by and onlookers recorded the incident.

    He further alleged threats from a Chief Security Officer at the facility, though this claim was not independently verified.

    No official response from APC

    As of the time the footage circulated online, no APC official had publicly addressed the protest or responded to the allegations raised by the man.