Singer Cynthia Morgan, now known as Madrina, has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to ease the economic hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal, admitting that Nigerians are struggling to survive.
In a video shared on her TikTok page, Madrina said she was among those who supported Tinubu’s decision to end the subsidy but has since realized that the country lacks the structures to sustain it.
“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.
“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.
“Also, 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.”
The singer argued that while subsidy removal was necessary, its implementation was too abrupt, leaving Nigerians struggling.
She pointed out that Nigeria’s annual revenue is around $20 billion, yet $7 billion was spent on subsidized petrol, which she believes was unsustainable.
“So, that’s what President Tinubu is trying to do. He is trying to approach it the way it is. Because the money that we spent on subsidized PMS is a lot—enough to do many things.
“If we are able to invest it in other areas of the country, we will be a better nation. I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but we are not ready. We can’t do it. 100 percent subsidy removal will not work. People are hungry. Crime rates are increasing.”
Madrina then urged Nigerians to stop complaining and instead beg the government for relief.
“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.”
Her comments reflect growing frustration among Nigerians as they battle rising costs of living and economic instability.
President Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, during his inauguration speech, stating that the country could no longer afford to sustain it.
The decision led to a sharp increase in petrol prices, triggering inflation and worsening economic hardship.
