Basketmouth lashes out at Nigeria’s economic woes
Nigerian comedian Basketmouth has delivered a sharp critique of the country’s faltering economy and governance, expressing frustration over worsening inflation and the continuous decline of the naira. In a candid interview during the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), the popular comedian voiced his concerns about the financial strain everyday Nigerians face, criticizing the lack of substantial improvement in the country’s economic policies.
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Reflecting on Nigeria’s economic trajectory, Basketmouth, born Bright Okpocha, did not mince words. He pointed to the staggering depreciation of the naira, a currency that once held strong against the dollar but has since plummeted to historic lows. “In 1970, the year I was born, it was one naira to a dollar. Now, it’s one dollar to 1,600 naira,” he lamented, highlighting the drastic economic shift that has unfolded over decades. “There was never a time when the naira crashed and then bounced back to what it used to be. It’s never happened.”
The comedian’s frustrations also extended to a common saying among Nigerians: *E go better*, meaning “It will get better.” Basketmouth slammed the phrase, often used by citizens to remain hopeful during tough times, arguing that the situation has only worsened over the years. “Every time you hear people saying *E go better*, it’s actually getting worse, bro,” he said, referring to the ongoing economic hardships gripping the nation.
Basketmouth then shifted his focus to recent government policies, particularly criticizing the increase in the cost of acquiring a Nigerian passport. “Now, 100 pages for a passport is 100,000 naira. They just increased it,” he said, questioning the government’s approach to addressing the country’s pressing financial issues. He suggested that some of these policies might be intentional, designed to push Nigerians toward “japa,” the popular term for emigrating to seek better opportunities abroad.
“I suspect our government planned this thing to make Nigerians suffer, so when they do, they’ll want to *japa*. Then, they’ll increase the passport price and make money off it,” the actor speculated, expressing skepticism over the government’s motives in managing the economy.
Though his tone was filled with sarcasm, Basketmouth hinted at a sense of hopelessness many Nigerians are beginning to feel about the future of their country. “It’s not like I’ve given up hope; I’m hopeful. Maybe one day, the country will be better. Let’s all believe in that pipe dream,” he added, with a biting edge, summing up his skepticism about any meaningful change on the horizon. “It’s done, it’s over.”
The comedian’s remarks reflect the frustrations of many Nigerians, grappling with a turbulent economy marked by skyrocketing inflation, currency devaluation, and rising costs of living. With his characteristic humor, Basketmouth has once again used his platform to shine a light on issues plaguing Nigeria, leaving a sharp critique of the nation’s leadership and its handling of the economy. His words have sparked conversations about the economic realities facing millions of citizens, further fueling the ongoing debate about the future direction of the country.
