Nigerian Economy: They Say ‘E Go Better.’ But It’s Getting Worse – Comedian Basket Mouth
Basketmouth, a prominent Nigerian comedian, has spoken out about his frustrations with Nigeria’s economic conditions and governance.
He stresses that the idea of Nigeria getting better is a pipe dream.
In a conversation with AFRIMMA, Basketmouth voiced his growing apprehension over Nigeria’s inflationary pressures and the naira’s substantial devaluation, emphasizing their far-reaching consequences for ordinary Nigerians.
He remarked, ‘Consider this striking fact: whereas in 1970, the year I was born, the exchange rate was one naira to a dollar, today it has skyrocketed to one dollar to 1600 naira. Historically, the dollar has consistently maintained an upward trajectory, never plummeting to previously recorded levels and remaining stable.’
Baketmouth also slammed the saying,’ E go better’, meaning ‘It will get better,’ a popular saying by Nigerians in the midst of hardship.
“Every time it changes, all the conversations you’d be hearing is ‘E go better, E go better.’ it’s getting worse, bro. What are the policies? And what have they done? Now 100 pages for a passport is 100,000 naira; they just increased it,” he explained.
He posited that the government might be leveraging these economic challenges to nudge citizens toward considering ‘japa,’ a popular term denoting emigration for improved prospects.
“I suspect that our government planned this thing to make the Nigerian population suffer. So that when they suffer they can now want to japa, then they will increase the price of the passport and they’d make money,” said the comedian.
Sarcastically, he added, “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. It’s done, it’s over.”
What are your thoughts about this post? Kindly share