Cynthia Morgan (Madrina) Urges Tinubu to Ease Hardship, Calls for Partial Fuel Subsidy Reinstatement
Nigerian singer Cynthia Morgan, now known as Madrina, has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to implement urgent measures to alleviate the economic hardship in the country.
In a video shared on her TikTok page, the singer acknowledged initially supporting Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy but admitted that the resulting economic strain has become unbearable for Nigerians.
“We Are Feeling It” – Madrina Speaks on Hardship
Expressing her frustration, Madrina stated:
"Are you guys feeling what I’m 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 argued that while the previous subsidy system was unsustainable, Nigeria lacks the necessary structures to survive without it. According to her, the removal of fuel subsidies has triggered inflation, skyrocketing fuel prices, and an increase in the cost of living.
Madrina explained that the rising exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is worsening the situation since Nigeria imports more than it exports. She emphasized that these economic realities make it nearly impossible for citizens to cope with the total subsidy removal.
Her Proposed Solution: A 50% Rollback on Subsidy Removal
Rather than outright protest, Madrina called for a “begging challenge,” urging Nigerians to respectfully plead with the government to reconsider its stance:
"Let the government roll back at least 50 percent of the subsidy removal. That’s my stance. People are hungry. Crime rates are increasing."
Opinion: A Cry for Help or a Wake-Up Call?
Madrina’s emotional appeal reflects the harsh realities many Nigerians face daily. While her plea for a partial return of the subsidy may resonate with struggling citizens, it also raises deeper questions:
Should Nigeria continue subsidizing fuel despite its heavy financial burden?
Is there an alternative way to cushion the economic impact without reversing progress?
The truth is, while subsidies have historically provided temporary relief, they have also drained national resources that could be invested in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. However, the real issue isn’t just subsidy removal—it’s the lack of proper economic planning to cushion the effects. Without a strong manufacturing sector, stable electricity, and efficient public transport, fuel costs will continue to dictate the prices of goods and services.
Madrina’s call for a “begging challenge” might seem unusual, but at its core, it highlights the desperation of many Nigerians. The government must recognize that economic policies, no matter how logical, must be accompanied by strong social safety nets. If not, hardship will continue to rise, and frustration may boil over.
What’s the Way Forward?
Instead of a full subsidy return, the government should prioritize policies that:
Strengthen Local Refining: With functioning refineries, fuel costs would drop significantly.
Invest in Public Transport: Affordable and efficient transport would reduce reliance on costly petrol.
Support Local Production: Reducing import dependence will stabilize the exchange rate.
The question remains—will the government listen? Or will Nigerians have to endure more hardship before real change happens? What do you think? Should Nigeria partially restore the fuel subsidy, or is there a better way forward? Share your thoughts!
