Nigerian singer Cynthia Morgan, now known as Madrina, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action to reduce the economic hardship in the country.
She urged the government to reconsider its stance on fuel subsidy removal, arguing that the current situation has become unbearable for many Nigerians.
Initial support for subsidy removal
Morgan admitted that she initially supported Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy. She believed the move was necessary for the country’s economic growth. However, she now feels the government was unprepared for the full removal and that its impact has pushed many Nigerians into severe hardship.
In a video posted on her TikTok page, Morgan expressed her concerns. “Are you feeling what I’m feeling? I’m not going to lie, I feel it. It’s unfortunate that we can’t do much except plead with the government,” she said.
She questioned the logic of spending over $8 billion on fuel subsidies in the past when the country’s total revenue was only around $20 billion. “It doesn’t make sense to spend $7 billion on subsidized petroleum products when we don’t have the structures to sustain it,” she added.
Economic challenges and inflation
Morgan explained that the high cost of petrol affects almost every aspect of daily life. “Petrol prices control 90% of the cost of goods and services in the market,” she noted. She also pointed out that the rising exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is worsening the situation. Since Nigeria imports more than it exports, the weakened naira has further increased the cost of living.
She highlighted that Nigeria’s GDP per capita is currently about $860, making it difficult for citizens to cope with rising prices. “People are struggling. The cost of food is high. Transportation costs have skyrocketed. We don’t have the right structures in place to survive without a fuel subsidy,” she said.
Appealing for government intervention
Rather than protest or criticize the government, Madrina suggested a different approach. She urged Nigerians to collectively appeal to the government for relief. “Let’s do a ‘begging challenge.’ Let’s ask the government to reconsider. Maybe we have been irresponsible, but we need help,” she said.
She proposed that the government should restore at least 50% of the fuel subsidy to ease the pressure on citizens. “100% subsidy removal will not work right now. People are hungry. Crime rates are increasing. We need a balance,” she added.
Historical perspective on subsidy
She also traced the fuel subsidy issue back to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. She criticized past governments for failing to manage the issue properly. “The introduction of the subsidy was a mistake. A leader should face problems head-on, not postpone them,” she argued.
However, she acknowledged that Tinubu is attempting to address the issue directly. “I don’t think removing the subsidy is a bad idea. The money spent on subsidies could be used for other development projects. But we are not ready for this. The economy cannot handle it,” she stated.
Final plea to the government
Morgan ended her message with a heartfelt plea to the government. She urged officials to consider the suffering of ordinary Nigerians and take immediate steps to reduce the burden. “Let’s not rant. Let’s not fight. Let’s ask the government to help us. If they can bring back even 50% of the subsidy, it will make a big difference,” she said.
As economic challenges persist, many Nigerians share Madrina’s concerns. Whether the government will respond to her appeal remains to be seen.
