Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said that the administration’s economic and structural reforms have delivered over 100 measurable gains in just one year — insisting that the reforms are beginning to bear fruit across multiple sectors.

Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Onanuga rejected claims that Nigerians are yet to see benefits from the government’s tough economic decisions, such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification. He described such views as uninformed and politically motivated, stressing that many reforms are already showing results.

 “I can list over 100 gains from the reforms of the Tinubu administration,” Onanuga stated, pointing to improvements in investment inflows, regulatory transparency, energy alternatives, and educational support.

Among the gains, he listed over $80 billion in oil and gas investments, following sector liberalisation; the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cost-effective fuel alternative, now being used in tricycles and buses in Lagos and Abuja; the introduction of the National Student Loan Programme (NELFUND), targeting access to higher education; progress in implementing the Oronsaye Report, aimed at trimming down Nigeria’s bloated public service.

 “These are not just announcements — they’re already happening. There’s evidence everywhere,” he said.

Onanuga also defended the government against criticisms of insensitivity, stating that President Tinubu is fully aware of the hardships facing ordinary Nigerians but is working tirelessly to alleviate them.

 “This government is very sensitive. The President admits the pains, and he’s doing everything to reduce them.”

He argued that the previous administration left behind a severely broken system, including fuel scarcity during the 2023 elections, and a forex regime riddled with arbitrage, which the current government had no choice but to reform.

 “It’s easy to forget that things were already broken before May 2023. These reforms had to happen.”

Responding to concerns that the administration is all talk and little action, Onanuga pushed back, noting that policy follow-through is underway and more outcomes would be visible in the coming months.

 “It’s unfair to say we don’t act. We walk the talk.”

Looking ahead, he said the administration will intensify its focus on healthcare, agriculture, and cost-of-living relief, including the rollout of a medical supply chain reform to cut down drug prices, and an expanded CNG transition programme to bring energy costs down in schools and transport.

 “I see Nigerians getting a sigh of relief very soon. Inflation will ease,” he said.

Onanuga maintained that while it may take time for all Nigerians to feel the effects, the country is now on a more sustainable economic path, led by bold, long-overdue decisions.

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

Follow us on: