S ince President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, Nigeria’s economy has been burdened by a wave of policy shifts that have dramatically worsened living conditions for millions. From the removal of fuel subsidies to drastic hikes in electricity tariffs and rising import duties, these changes have led to record-breaking inflation, a weakening currency, and growing public resentment.
Amid this rising hardship, veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem released a protest song titled “Tell Your Papa” on April 6, 2025. The track calls out the Tinubu administration’s handling of the economy and directly addresses the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, who had publicly hailed his father as Nigeria’s best leader. The lyrics demand he “tell your papa say people dey suffer,” a line that has since become a rallying cry online.
However, just three days after its release, Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) banned the song from airplay, citing violations of broadcast codes. The ban has sparked nationwide debate about freedom of expression and the government’s willingness to tolerate dissent.
Cost of Living Skyrockets
The Tinubu administration’s controversial decision to eliminate the fuel subsidy in its first week in office triggered an immediate and sharp rise in the price of petrol. What once sold for about ₦185 per liter in some cities now costs as much as ₦700, depending on the region. The ripple effect has been enormous: transport fares have doubled or tripled, food prices have surged, and inflation continues to climb.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the country’s headline inflation rate jumped to 34.19% in June 2024, compared to 22.79% in June 2023. The food inflation rate alone reached 40.66%, pushing many Nigerian families deeper into poverty.
Electricity Tariff Hikes Add More Pressure
In April 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission raised electricity tariffs for Band A customers by a staggering 300%, from ₦68/kWh to ₦225/kWh. This affects users receiving at least 20 hours of electricity daily—on paper. In reality, many consumers report persistent blackouts despite the increase, calling the policy both exploitative and ineffective.
Customs Duties and Import Costs Soar
Nigeria’s import-dependent economy is also being choked by fluctuating customs duties driven by forex instability. The exchange rate used to calculate import duties has climbed from ₦422/$1 in May 2023 to nearly ₦1,600/$1 by April 2025. This means the cost of clearing goods at the port—especially vehicles—has skyrocketed.
For example, clearing a 2018 Toyota Camry that used to cost about ₦3 million now costs ₦8–10 million, and a 2008 Honda Accord that was once around ₦2.5 million now sells for ₦7 million. Retailers and consumers alike are feeling the heat.
Everyday Items Now Luxury Goods
Nigerians are seeing everyday items become luxury goods. A carton of noodles that sold for ₦3,500 in early 2023 now goes for ₦12,000. Cooking oil has risen from ₦700 per liter to ₦2,000, while rice, once the staple of many homes, is now unaffordable for low-income families.
Despite these increases, wages have remained largely stagnant. While the government has proposed a new ₦70,000 minimum wage, most states have yet to implement it, leaving workers to battle rising costs with insufficient income.
Taxes and Revenue Drive
The government has introduced multiple taxes in its effort to raise revenue—ranging from a 10% tax on sugary beverages to increased electronic money transfer fees. Businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, are struggling to stay afloat under the burden.
Meanwhile, citizens are questioning how much of this revenue is being used for public benefit. Social programs have been slow to roll out, and there is widespread skepticism about government spending, especially in light of recent reports of lavish foreign trips and luxury purchases by public officials.
The Power of Protest Music
“Tell Your Papa” has become a symbolic anthem for millions of frustrated Nigerians who feel ignored by the political elite. The song criticizes poor governance, inflation, insecurity, and perceived impunity at the highest levels of leadership.
Key lines from the song include:
“Country hard, people dey die…”
“Na your papa dey there, na your papa wey do us this one…”
“He promised heaven and earth, but na empty promises…”
Though banned from radio and TV, the song has gone viral across social media platforms. Citizens are sharing the track as a form of protest, and many believe the government’s attempt to silence it has only amplified its message.
Human rights advocates and musicians have condemned the ban, calling it unconstitutional and an attack on freedom of expression. The rapper has responded by stating he will not be silenced, and plans to release a full album dedicated to holding government accountable.
A Widening Gap Between Government and the People
While the government continues to promote its “Renewed Hope” agenda and highlights macroeconomic successes—such as improved balance of payments and reforms hailed by international institutions—everyday Nigerians are yet to feel the benefits. The gap between government rhetoric and lived reality continues to widen.
The president’s administration claims that tough decisions are necessary to stabilize the economy. However, without immediate relief and better transparency, public patience is wearing thin.
Eedris Abdulkareem’s banned song may not be playing on the airwaves, but its message is louder than ever on the streets and screens of a restless nation.
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