On Tuesday, March 25, Nigerian singer Cynthia Morgan, now known as Madrina, shared a heartfelt plea with President Bola Tinubu, urging him to take urgent steps to alleviate the escalating hardships faced by Nigerians due to recent economic changes.
In a video posted on her TikTok page, Madrina, who had previously supported President Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, expressed her growing concern over the unbearable consequences of the move. She noted that the current hardship was becoming increasingly difficult for the average Nigerian to endure.
Madrina said, “Are you guys feeling what I am feeling? I’m not even going to lie, I’m feeling it o! And it’s quite unfortunate that we might not be able to do much other than plead with the government. Because spending over $8 billion on subsidy doesn’t make any sense.”
She continued to elaborate on the economic situation, pointing out that the total annual revenue for Nigeria in 2023/2024 was approximately $20 billion, while over $7 billion was spent on subsidizing petroleum products. “It doesn’t make any sense,” she said.
Acknowledging her support for the subsidy removal at the time, Madrina stated, “I was one of the persons who applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the removal of the fuel subsidy because you know what it is. But currently, I don’t think we have what it takes to live totally off subsidy removal on petroleum products.”
Madrina emphasized that Nigeria lacks the necessary structures to handle such a major economic shift, leading to inflation and rising prices. “We don’t have the structures or anything to be able to sustain that. And that is why there’s inflation. The price of petrol controls 90 percent of every other commodity in the market.”
She also highlighted the impact of the exchange rate, noting, “The exchange rate of the Naira to the dollar has increased because what we import is higher than what we export. Right now, the GDP per capita is $860.”
Despite the challenges, Madrina stressed the importance of respectfully engaging with the government. “We are going to be begging [the government]. I don’t think we have the right to protest or insult anyone in government,” she said.
While she acknowledged that the subsidy removal could lead to long-term benefits if the funds were properly invested, Madrina asserted that Nigeria wasn’t ready for such a drastic move at this time. “100 percent subsidy removal will not work. People are hungry. Crime rates are increasing.”
Her message concluded with a call for the government to reconsider its approach, stating, “But please, let’s not rant. Let us do a begging challenge. Let’s beg the government to help us, that they shouldn’t be angry. Maybe we have been irresponsible. Let the government roll back at least 50 percent of the subsidy removal. That’s my stance.”
