“33 Governors Cannot Be Wrong”: Onanuga Defends Tinubu as Rice Prices and Inflation Become Talking Points

 

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that Nigeria has experienced positive changes since the administration took office in 2023.

Onanuga reportedly made the remarks while responding to criticism from television presenters and opposition voices who have questioned the impact of the government's economic reforms.

According to the presidential spokesperson, the support of 33 state governors for Tinubu reflects confidence in the direction of the administration.

Onanuga Speaks on the Cost of Rice

One of the major points in Onanuga's statement was the price of rice, a staple food consumed by millions of Nigerian households.

He claimed that a bag of rice, which previously sold for approximately ₦120,000, had fallen to below ₦50,000 in some places. He also stated that a bag reportedly sells for around ₦45,000 in his hometown.

The claim has drawn attention because food prices remain a major concern for families struggling with the cost of living.

However, rice prices vary across states, markets, brands and varieties. The reported ₦45,000 price should therefore not be interpreted as the confirmed national average.

What About Nigeria's Inflation Rate?

Nigeria's inflation rate is another important part of the discussion.

According to reported figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, headline inflation declined to 14.63 per cent in September 2026, compared with 15.39 per cent in August 2026.

Although this represents a decline in the inflation rate, it does not automatically mean that everyday goods have become affordable for everyone.

When inflation falls, prices generally rise more slowly. Prices may still remain considerably higher than they were several years ago.

For households, the real question is whether incomes are keeping pace with the cost of food, transportation, housing, electricity and other essential expenses.

“33 Governors Cannot Be Wrong”

In defending the president, Onanuga argued that 33 governors supporting Tinubu could not all be wrong at the same time.

His statement has added to the political debate over whether the administration's economic reforms are delivering the results Nigerians expected.

Supporters of the government may point to declining inflation and changes in the prices of certain commodities as signs of progress. Critics, meanwhile, may argue that many households have yet to experience meaningful relief from the high cost of living.

Ultimately, political support and economic performance are separate issues. The impact of government policies can be assessed more fully by examining inflation, food prices, wages, employment, purchasing power and economic growth.</p>

Have Nigerians Started Feeling the Difference?

The reported decline in headline inflation is an important economic development, but its effect on ordinary Nigerians requires closer examination.

A reduction in the price of a particular food item may offer relief to some consumers. However, the experience can differ significantly between households and locations.

For many Nigerians, the most important measure of economic improvement is whether they can afford essential goods and services without exhausting their monthly income.

As the debate continues, reliable data and actual market prices will remain important in assessing the impact of the government's economic policies.

<p>What do you think? Have food prices reduced in your area, or are Nigerians still struggling with the cost of living? Share your experience in the comments section.

Source note: This report discusses remarks attributed to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and reported inflation figures. The rice-price comparison is an attributed claim and should not be treated as a verified nationwide average.

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