The Presidency has described Nigeria as a “very poor” country, saying the wealth of the country is overestimated.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, stated this in an interview on Arise Television on Monday.

According to Onanuga, Nigeria is still a very poor country considering its low per capita income, compared to other African nations.

Nigeria’s Very Poor Country, our Wealth is Overestimated – Presidency
Politics & Governance · Nigeria’s Very Poor Country, our Wealth is Overestimated – Presidency

He said, “Nigeria is a very very poor country, to be honest. I think our wealth is overestimated,”

On the state of Nigeria’s economy and the administration’s efforts to ensure stability, the presidential aide said, “I think we have a poor estimation of the wealth of the country, we are a very poor country.”

The presidential aide added that with the removal of subsidies on petrol and the unification of the exchange rate, the administration “is hoping that the pressure on our finances will reduce.”

Meanwhile, Onanuga dismissed claims that the Tinubu-led government still owes emoluments to its federal workers.

He said, “The office of the AGF has said there is a challenge with the platform being used to disburse the salaries.

“According to a briefing I got this morning, yes, salaries were delayed, but all federal workers have been paid,” he added.

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Access Holdings Appoints Bolaji Agbede as Acting CEO See AlsoWorld University Rankings 2025: Covenant, ABU Emerge Top In Nigeria (Full List)Kwankwasiyya Rubble-Rousing Short-Wave Politics I think our wealth is overestimated,” On the state of Nigeria’s economy and the administration’s efforts to ensure stability, the presidential aide said, “I think we have a poor estimation of the wealth of the country, we are a very poor country.” The presidential aide added that with the removal of subsidies on petrol and the unification of the exchange rate, the administration “is hoping that the pressure on our finances will reduce.” Meanwhile, Onanuga dismissed claims that the Tinubu-led government still owes emoluments to its federal workers.

— goodeveningnigeria.com Editorial Team
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Chinyere Okonkwo
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Chinyere Okonkwo is a political reporter covering Nigerian federal and state governance, elections, and the activities of the National Assembly. Based in Abuja, she tracks policy developments, political party dynamics, and the work of oversight institutions such as EFCC and INEC.

Chinyere has covered three general election cycles and reported on constitutional reform debates, security legislation, and the governance challenges facing Nigeria's 36 states. She holds a degree in political science from Ahmadu Bello University.