By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to economic stability and food security through strategic policies led by President Bola Tinubu.

The government assured citizens that these initiatives are already producing results, with a clear focus on improving ordinary Nigerians’ welfare.

Mr Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, stated this in a release titled: ‘Critique Requires Fact-Driven Narrative’.

He described the Daily Trust editorial as exaggerated and unbalanced in its portrayal of Nigeria’s food security and economic condition.

Dare acknowledged economic hardship but cautioned against sweeping generalisations that misrepresent the national situation.

“A recent Daily Trust editorial paints Nigeria as overwhelmed by hunger, hardship, and helplessness—an exaggerated and unbalanced picture.

“The Tinubu administration welcomes media criticism, but it must be based on facts—not distortion or selective pessimism.

“No one in the administration denies that citizens face challenges, but we must distinguish honest concern from pessimism and blanket generalisations,” Dare said.

He argued that the government’s policies are designed to ensure future stability and prosperity for Nigerians.

Dare warned that alarmist narratives and selective reporting undermine public understanding and national progress.

He referenced the editorial’s claim that 33 million Nigerians, including 16 million children, would face hunger in 2025.

“This figure, widely cited, has been wrongly interpreted.

“It was not a UNICEF-specific report but a Cadre Harmonisé analysis co-produced by Nigerian authorities, FAO, WFP, and UNICEF.

“It projects a worst-case hunger scenario for June–August 2025, assuming no mitigation by government or partners,” he said.

Dare highlighted proactive measures already taken to avoid such outcomes and secure food supply.

He listed key interventions: 42,000 metric tons of grain released from reserves; 117,000 more under procurement; and activation of the Food Security Council.

He added that emergency nutrition support was scaled up in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Katsina, Sokoto, and Bauchi states.

“President Tinubu is not indifferent to the people’s suffering. He is making deliberate, effective efforts to reset the economy,” he said.

Dare said the administration aims to correct a past of consumption without productivity and policies that favoured the powerful.

The Presidency also called for unity and a national conversation grounded in facts.

“Let’s speak the truth. Yes, Nigerians are tightening belts — but Nigeria is healing,” Dare said.

He pointed to signs of recovery: a stabilising naira, social protection expansion, food system investments, and tuition aid for students.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme will target all 8,809 political wards with tailored support for businesses, infrastructure, and food security.

This is part of President Tinubu’s broader goal to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

“The government does not demand silence during hardship. It calls for fairness and shared commitment to rebuilding Nigeria,” Dare said.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting efforts to create a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous economy. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo