Lagos, Nigeria – In response to a recent editorial by Daily Trust portraying Nigeria as gripped by widespread hunger and hardship, the Federal Government has urged media platforms to embrace responsible journalism anchored on verified data and fair analysis.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the Presidency expressed disappointment over what it described as a “deliberate pattern of misinformation” by the publication, warning that alarmist narratives risk undermining national efforts to tackle economic challenges. While reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, the Tinubu administration insists that critiques must be rooted in fact—not selective pessimism or misrepresentation.
> “Yes, times are hard, but the government is acting. Misleading editorials only erode public trust and national unity,” a presidential spokesperson said.
Fact-Checking Hunger Projections: What the Data Actually Says
Mediaplusng.com highlights that the 33 million hunger figure cited by Daily Trust originated from a Cadre Harmonisé projection, not a current UNICEF report. This forecast—prepared with the Federal Government, FAO, WFP, and UNICEF—assumes worst-case outcomes if no interventions occur. However, several interventions are underway:
Release of 42,000+ metric tons of grains
Activation of the Presidential Food Security Council
Emergency nutrition support in 6 northern states
Naira Strengthening After Economic Reforms
Contrary to claims of a “worthless naira,” Mediaplusng.com confirms that the currency has appreciated from a low of ₦1,800/$1 to ₦1,525/$1 as of August 1, 2025. This rebound is attributed to improved oil revenues, restored investor confidence, and FX market reforms.
Social Safety Nets Are Expanding, Not Ending
The National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme continues to serve 9.8 million children across 36 states and the FCT. Over 200,000 cooks and local farmers are employed, and digitization has enhanced transparency.
Additionally, the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer has benefited over 3 million households with ₦75,000 each, with a target to reach 15 million. Nearly 400,000 students are now receiving education support through NELFUND.
Fiscal, Agricultural, and Local Reforms in Motion
New tax policies rolling out in 2026 aim to eliminate multiple taxation, exempt basic food and medicine, and ease MSME burdens. On agriculture, over ₦200 billion has been invested in dry-season farming, and 500,000 farmers are receiving input support.
President Tinubu has also approved the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting all 8,809 wards in Nigeria to localize poverty reduction, job creation, and rural development.
Call for Constructive Patriotism
Mediaplusng.com reports that the government is not dismissing hardship but asks Nigerians and the media to remain constructive and united.
> “Hope is not blind optimism,” the statement concluded. “It is action, reform, and results—already visible in improved FX stability, expanded welfare programmes, and inclusive policies.”
As Nigeria moves forward, the administration appeals to all stakeholders, including media outlets, to contribute to rebuilding efforts through balanced reporting and fact-driven narratives.
