Nigerian singer Cynthia Morgan, now known as Madrina, has made an emotional appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to implement urgent measures to alleviate the worsening economic hardship in the country.
The artist, who initially supported the removal of the fuel subsidy, now expresses deep concern over the unbearable consequences that have followed. In a heartfelt video message shared on her TikTok page, Madrina acknowledged the dire situation Nigerians are facing, emphasizing that the burden of inflation and economic downturn has left many struggling to survive.
“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,” she lamented.
Explaining her stance, Madrina pointed out the financial implications of fuel subsidies and how they have historically drained the nation’s resources. She provided figures to back her argument, stating, “Spending over $8 billion on subsidy doesn’t make any sense. From my findings, the total annual revenue for Nigeria in 2023/2024 was around 20-something billion dollars. So imagine spending $7 billion on subsidized petroleum products. It doesn’t make any sense.”
While she maintained that the subsidy system was unsustainable, she also stressed that Nigeria currently lacks the economic structures and stability needed to thrive without it.
The singer admitted that she had initially applauded Tinubu for removing the subsidy, believing it to be a necessary step. However, she now feels that the country was unprepared for the full impact of the decision.
“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,” she stated.
According to her, the nation’s fragile economy and lack of alternative measures to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal have left the majority of citizens in distress.
Madrina further elaborated on how the skyrocketing price of petrol has had a ripple effect on virtually every sector.
She explained, “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 without a strong industrial base, Nigeria remains heavily dependent on imports, which further weakens the economy and drives inflation.
In her analysis, she traced the root of the subsidy policy back to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing its introduction as a misplaced approach that failed to tackle the economic issues head-on. “The introduction of the subsidy on petrol started with former President [Olusegun] Obasanjo, which for me was lackadaisical because, as a president, you’re supposed to handle things head-on and not try to… I can’t remember the word right now,” she said.
Madrina acknowledged that Tinubu’s decision to remove the subsidy was meant to confront the issue directly, but she argued that the timing and lack of proper planning have made life increasingly unbearable for Nigerians.
Despite recognizing the economic rationale behind subsidy removal, Madrina maintained that a complete elimination of fuel subsidies is not a viable option at this time. She warned that hunger and hardship are escalating, leading to a rise in crime rates and social instability.
“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,” she stated.
In a final appeal, Madrina urged Nigerians to adopt a different approach by pleading with the government instead of protesting or directing anger at officials. She proposed a collective movement to request a partial reinstatement of subsidies to ease the financial strain on citizens.
“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,” she concluded.
With her passionate plea, Madrina joins the growing chorus of voices calling for urgent government intervention to prevent further economic hardship for millions of Nigerians.
