In a candid appraisal of Nigeria’s economic standing, the Presidency on Monday characterized the nation as “very very poor,” citing its comparatively low per capita income in relation to other African counterparts. Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, made these remarks during his appearance as a Special Guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time show.
Responding to inquiries concerning the state of Nigeria’s economy and the government’s endeavors to ensure stability, Onanuga candidly remarked, “Nigeria is a very very poor country, to be honest. I think our wealth is overestimated.” He underscored the administration’s belief that the country’s economic prosperity has been inaccurately appraised.
Additionally, Onanuga highlighted the recent policy measures undertaken by the government, including the removal of subsidies on petrol and the unification of the exchange rate, with the anticipation that these actions would alleviate financial pressures.
Addressing allegations of unpaid emoluments to federal workers under the Tinubu-led government, Onanuga refuted such claims, asserting, “The office of the AGF has said there is a challenge with the platform being used to disburse the salaries.” He further clarified, “According to a briefing I got this morning, yes, salaries were delayed, but all federal workers have been paid.”
