Tinubu never called himself petroleum minister — Onanuga

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has refuted reports that President Tinubu is Nigeria’s substantive Minister of Petroleum.

The denial came during Onanuga’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday.

Addressing questions on the president’s role in the oil sector, Onanuga clarified that Tinubu has never assumed the title of Minister of Petroleum.

“The President has never called himself the Minister of Petroleum,” he stated, adding, “The media assigned him that position.

“We have two ministers in the oil sector: one dedicated to gas, a vital area that had been neglected.”

He highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s gas potential, referring to recent reflections by former President Obasanjo, who admitted to overlooking the gas sector during his tenure.

Onanuga also spoke to accusations of Tinubu’s alleged indifference to the economic hardships facing Nigerians.

“President Tinubu is deeply aware of the challenges Nigerians are facing,” he noted.

“Some people, as a joke, have nicknamed him ‘T-pain,’ but he is here to heal, not to hurt. He is tirelessly working towards economic relief and long-term prosperity for the nation.”

Onanuga emphasised that while the transition is challenging, it forms part of a strategic plan to stabilise and grow Nigeria’s economy.

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