The Nigerian presidency has admitted the country’s economic struggles, describing the most populated African nation as “very poor”.

The remark was made by the Special Adviser to the president, Bayo Onanuga, in an interview on Arise Television on Monday.

Onanuga cited the nation’s low per capita income compared to other African countries and suggested that Nigeria’s perceived wealth is inflated. “I think our wealth is overestimated,” he stated. “We have a poor estimation of the wealth of the country, we are a very poor country.”

The presidential aide’s comments come amid economic challenges, including high inflation and persistent poverty. He, however, said that the recent measures, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, will alleviate pressure on the nation’s finances.

Onanuga also confirmed that outstanding salaries owed to federal workers have been paid.

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.