The Nigerian Scam

Around the middle of September, Africa's richest (abi wealthiest) man Alhaji Aliko Dangote announced the public offer. We discuss in this episode, the general range of reactions, his possible motivations and the lasting consequence. We quip over the motivations for buying a piece of Aliko and the exerted marketing (some might say hawking) of his shares by Nigerian banks and quasi-financial institutions. We extend our conversation to the rationale for even listing on the Nigerian Exchange Group (Nigerian Stock Exchange) in an inflation battered economy. We also review the frailties of Nigerian financial institutions with regards to what percentage of company profits actually goes to 'labour'. Finally, we link this conversation to a broader discussion about the price of fuel, subsidy removal and the upcoming elections. Is the excitement over owning a piece of Aliko manufactured? Is this simply a money printing exercise for Dangote? Where is the place of the Nigerian left in all the frenzy? Listen and find out…

In this episode, we sit down with Tosin Adetola, a Nigerian Marxist psychoanalyst to discuss his essay on the "Olodo Uprising". Starting with a brief summary of the origins of the term and the events and personalities involved in its invocation, we delve into the talking points and threads of the argument explored in the essay. We then proceed to discuss the decay of the educational institution as a symptom of the failure of Nigerian state and capitalism in Nigeria. After examining the utility of the entertainment industry online as a tool for interclass mobility, we also explore the (un)ironic allegiance of certain actors to capitalism as well as their aspirations for higer spots on the totem pole. We conclude by explaining the capture of the online space by these personlities and the deployment of the streaming space as a mirror of Nigerian society to a larger global audience. Is this a case of the intelligentsia feeling left out? Is the failure of the educational institution feeding into pop culture? How…

In this episode we are joined by Omole Ibukun who is a socialist activist based in Abuja, Nigeria. In the spirit of charity we go on to discuss possible achievements that Nigerian neoliberalism may lay claim to. We place ourselves in the seats of neoliberalism's praise singers, trying on their goggles and poking at the fruits of their harvest. From relatively mundane gifts like a new economic vocabulary and the transnationalism of Nigerian banks to more stimulating gifts like the rise of motivational speakers and the globalization of Afrobeats, we navigate our individual lists of the goodies that neoliberalism has brought. We also go on various tangents to discuss: the rise of religion as pain relief, historical and military regime-influenced variants of neoliberalism, the effect of neoliberalism on Nigerian party politics and the cultural influence of neoliberalism. Despite an understanding that even neoliberalism's so called gifts are immiserating, we attempt to answer questions like "Why are there still…

Did you know that Sydney Poitier once starred as a Nigerian anti-colonial leftist? Can an obviously anti-communist film also be entertaining, commendable, and even (somewhat) accurate? In this episode we present our reactions to the 1957 film: The Mark of the Hawk, arguably the best reactionary film every made about Nigeria. Starring Sidney Poitier and Eartha Kitt and shot in Enugu, this film explores the theme of violence and colonialism from different groups within the anti-colonial movement and the colonial government in the waning days of British rule in Nigeria. While giving us a window into what Hollywood thought of decolonization in Africa, the film also shows us different approaches that different parts of the Nigerian society took towards decolonization, revolution, and nation building. We attempted to evaluate the picture both as a piece of art and as political propaganda. Using different characters to represent sections and sentiments of religious and business interests, the film acts as a message…

Nigeria is the world’s poverty capital. But while acknowledging this poverty, rarely do we in the same breadth discuss the other toxic byproduct of Nigerian capitalism: billionaires. The 2025 Oxfam report indicates a surge in billionaire wealth in Nigeria. In this episode, we examine a few of the figures with the largest chunks of the pie. The first part of the episode explores the origins of our most notable oligarchs. Naturally, some of the names that arise include Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola and Abdulsamad Rabiu — but also the lesser remembered but extremely influential man who set the tone for all of the above (listen to find out whom). Can the scales be rebalanced? Are the people resisting them sufficiently? The second part of the episode zooms in on another previously unknown but increasingly prominent billionaire businessman: Gilbert Chagoury. We run through the infamous relationship between Chagoury and Abacha and Chagoury’s centrality from the late 90s to the foundations of Nigeria…

In the light of Peter Obi and Kwankwaso leaving the promising but still born ADC (African Democratic Congress) to join the NDC (Nigeria Democratic Congress), we track the latest developments regarding the 2027 presidential election. We discuss the ongoing fragmentation and soldering of the opposition to the incumbent government. We also probe the likelihood of the weaponisation of the question of the subsidy removal and its process. In addition to the conversation on voter turnout, we examine the potential candidates for Atiku and an increase in Tinubu’s popularity. Issues like the economic question, the zoning question and the non-voting demographic are also tabled. Are we back to where we were with fragmented opposition that basically allows Tinubu to stay in office? Will voter turnout increase? Should we expect an identical situation to the last election? Listen and find out what we think.

In this episode, we examine the Nigerian protest culture, why it has not fundamentally transformed the political terrain while delineating theoretical and practical strategies. In the face of heightened insecurity in Nigeria, we also probe the dynamics and evolution of crime from the urban, peri urban and rural areas. We juxtaposed these with the State's security architecture and why it has proven to be ineffective at curbing crime and only shown potency at oppressing citizens and impeding organic social movements. In the concluding parts, we focused on the likely entry points for the Nigerian left and if changes in the security situation is really on the horizon

In this episode which we recorded a day after the passing of Professor Biodun Jeyifo (the founding president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)), we host Juwon Sanyaolu. Juwon is a co-host of the "Voice of Workers" podcast, the national coordinator of the TakeItBack movement, and a member of the "Ogba mafia". Juwon is also a writer, literary critic, activist and a citizen reporter. When the Soviet Union collapsed, symbolized by the fall of the so called 'Iron Curtain' , the left world-wide entered into a period of crisis and decline. There were few exceptional places in the world were local left experiments remind viable and vibrant. The Obafemi Awolowo University is one of those places. Why is that? That's the question this episode seeks to answer. In the discussion, with one of OAU's finest, we dive into the history, volatility, grouping and current decline of student radicalism on the OAU campus. We also cycle through bodies and organisations created and leading comrades on campus in OAU.…

We start this episode discussing the latest international and local developments in the last few months. We begin with the massive display of wealth in the midst of growing inequality in the South East by Igbo bigwigs during the festive period. We use this as an entry point to discuss poverty and wealth gaps in Nigeria. We also reflect on what has been taking place in Nigeria namely the airstrike in Sokoto before briefly reacting to Venezuela and the US's strong hand in international geopolitics. We delve extensively into the actions of ADC, LP, APC and Peter Obi. Is any of it worth paying attention to? Or is it all pointless in the context of ideological similarities and the chances of genuine political change. Are they all the same? We do a breakdown of LP situation, the split in SE political elites over Peter Obi and the possible meaning of symbolism of Peter Obi's latest political moves. We then turn our attention to US intervention in Nigeria and Venezuela. Have we entered a new phase of US…

In this episode, we pick the brains of an ex-APC insider Tabia Princewill (@TabiaPrincewill) , a former editor of The Guardian. She runs us through her journey as a returning diasporan, her entry into Nigerian politics in 2011, her awakening as a leftist and her experiences within the Nigerian government. With the unique perspective of a Marxist who worked within Buhari's government and Lagos State's government she shines a light on her disillusionments and the lessons learned from her experience. Standing at the intersection of gender dynamic awareness, class consciousness and ethnic politics in Nigeria, she gives a very particular and interesting view into the gears and inner workings behind the federal and state government structures. What does progressivism really mean in Nigeria? How complicit is everyone in the perpetuation of the system? Does entryism work to change the system ever? How "socialist" was Buhari's government? What is the worth of the best intentions within the party system? Listen and…

In our latest episode, we host the the amazing PoliticalBaby (@Mao_0k), a cultural theorist, video essayist and scholar of contemporary Nigerian anthropology. We start off discussing the constraints of social media as a space for education, politics, interrogation and digital activism. We define her works as a living archive and an effort to preserve collective memory in the playground of Elon Musk and the Nigerian state. We work through barren status symbols in Nigerian society and class consciousness in the collective Nigerian headspace. We tackle the parameters of class definition in comparison to other countries, the tangibility of pseudo class structures and the interpretation of wealth in the Nigerian context. We then consider the gendered dimension of status with women being the canvas of consumption while simultaneously being at the sharpest end of critique. We examine Nigerian men, structural dependency and culpability in maintaining hierarchical gendered relations. We talk about everything from the…

As the talks of an American invasion pick up speed, and Nicki Minaj takes centre stage in manufacturing consent, we check the temperature of the proceedings. With the knowledge that a US armed intervention has never left a region better than it was, we interrogate internal support for the American boots on Nigerian soil. We evaluate the dynamics of the Tinubu-Trump relationship, the underutilisation of Nigeria's mining sector and US foreign policy during Trump's tenure in an effort to understand the desire to intervene in Nigeria's affairs. Nigeria's recent flings with France and China also come into question along with the failure/unwillingness of the Nigerian government to sort out security within its borders. We also look at the level of possible enthusiam within the US congress, political class and even the general public contrasting the desire to invade Nigeria with the Israeli situation. We end the episode picking at the competence of Nigeria's political class wondering if cutting some version of a…

We start off this episode discussing immigrants in the UK, in light of ultranationalism and right-wing anti-immigrant sentiment that is sweeping across Europe. Beginning with the creation of the welfare state from exploitation of the global south, through the place of developing countries in the global economy, to the aging population of the UK, and the fracturing of labour power by neoliberalism, we strip bare the electoral calculus behind the promise of anti-immigration. We also evaluate the function of consumerism in dealing with the grief of surviving the neoliberal order. We look, ultimately, at the growth of APC's stronghold in Southern Nigeria in the lead up to the 2027 election as the Enugu state governor, amongst others, defects to APC. With such defections in usual PDP strongholds, the imminent implosion of PDP and a lot of uncertainty with the LP, questions remain about who will stabilise Nigeria's bourgeios democracy. The last-minute electoralism of the Obidient movement leaves no obvious…

We decided to go 'guns-a-blazing' on the subject of the purported persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The idea that Nigeria is being overrun by a hidden Islamisation/jihad agenda was a talking point restricted to more conspiratorial circles — until recently. That none other than the president of the United States has embraced the idea— promising to rise in defence of Nigerian Christians — suggests how quickly the discourse has gained mainstream currency. In this episode we discuss the rise of the “Christian genocide discourse” attempting to separate fact from fiction. We sift through incidents, reactions, possible reasons and consequences to the violence in the middle belt. Revisiting the history and origins of the bloodshed, we look at the factors causing the violence today. How seriously should we take the growing interest in Nigeria among the hawkish factions of Congress and the Trump Administration? Will the US intervene to save Nigerian Christians? What can be done to improve the security situation in…

After a long rainy season break, we reflect on the latest changes in the recent past in Nigeria and beyond. We assess the deafening but underlying hum of tribalism and its outlets in material reality. We dissect its possible triggers, usefulness and beneficiaries in Nigerian society. From fire outbreaks and flash floods to mass layoffs at the Dangote refinery, we sift through national current affairs and dysfunction. We breeze through the current administration's report card and the usefulness of the "Tinubu built Lagos" narrative to the his current administration. In conclusion, we discuss Dangote's conflict with various unions Is this rightwing shift towards ethno-nationalism simply a campaign strategy? A symptom of economic strife? Both? Are we worse than our elders? Why does Dangote keep fighting one union after the other? Find out in our latest episode.

Some weeks ago, Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola announced his new book titled "Making it Big" which was intended to reveal lessons about overcoming challenges and building successful businesses as an underdog. Rapid fire online responses were quick to point out his (and other success stories) silver spoon and challenged his capacity to give us any useful underdog advice. This spilled into a wider "Nepo vs Lapo" baby discussion. Was this a rare moment of class consciousness or bickering between the disgruntled and diminishing middle class? Is there any useful financial advice worth giving in Tinubu's Nigeria? What are the chances of making it as a "Lapo" baby today in Nigeria? Listen to our thoughts and let us know in the comments either as a "Nepo" or "Lapo" baby if we have misrepresented your case.😉

This episode judges the murmurs of a new coalition on the horizon of Nigeria's electoral politics. We wade deep into the horse race (aided by many more mixed metaphors) to evaluate the chances of victory of the various Presidential/VP pairings come 2027. The usual conversation about regional balances and comparisons of what each player might bring to the table follows. Is there victory for anyone in this coalition without Peter Obi? But we also turn to more consequential questions: How does the excitement (or indifference) around this new coalition compare to the fanfare that accompanied the birth of the APC? In light of declining voter turnouts and the disillusionment that has grown during Tinubu’s tenure, can this new coalition rescue Tinubu’s ‘reform’ trajectory and Nigerian democracy? Listen and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

After years of beating around the bush, we bring you our latest Scam Hall of Fame episode focused on the infamous Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs). In the episode we argue that the SAPS were one of the central — if not the defining— scam(s) of the post-colonial period. To do this, we spend some time defining SAPs; talking through the rabbit and hat process by which SAPs were formally implemented under the IBB junta; and exploring the legacy of SAPS in contemporary Nigeria. The episode covers Nigeria's early ventures into austerity from the Gowon and Obasanjo military regimes, to the era of neoliberal puberty in the Babangida regime and down to its full blown adulthood in these Tinubu times. We also deal with some contradictory aspects of Nigeria’s liberalization journey. If Nigeria truly neo-liberalised then why is it still a difficult environment for business? Were there valid reasons for the Structural Adjustment Programs? Is there any positive effect of the SAP in Nigeria? Listen and let us know how…

After a health break, we return in this episode to consider the Nigerian president's report card halfway through his term. Is he the bold liberalising force Nigeria, nay Africa, has been waiting for? What can be said of the achievements and limitations of Tinubu’s domestic and foreign policy direction, two years into his tenure? We discuss his efforts in comparison to his predecessor and in the context of Nigeria’s 40 year romance with neoliberalism. The conversation also considers BAT’s foreign policy achievements and mishaps, especially in respect to the emergence of AES, his stance at the head of ECOWAS and his relationships with Washington and Paris. We also examine the possible oppositions to his re-election and the possibility of the rise of a popular mass movement against another tenure. Why isn't Tinubu easier to oppose? How much more neoliberal can we get? Who will survive in these Tinubu times? Listen and find out what we think.

In our latest current affairs episode we analyze the state of the APC and early rumblings of a mainstream opposition coalition ahead of 2027. Is the APC losing or simply reconstituting its elite base in the north? What is the strength of the ruling coalition? What might its fissures in the north and new ‘transfers’ in the south indicate about what might happen in the 2027 presidential elections? Will Nigerians fall for yet another neoliberal “bait and switch” via the SDP? We also talk about the strength of the popular movement independent of mainstream political parties. How are they reacting to these economic pressures, possible alliances and their chances within the electoral arena? To close the episode, we discuss the rampant insecurity and rural mass murders in the Middle Belt analyzing it outside the usual veil of presidential conspiracy. We hope you enjoy listening and a happy May Day to you. Also let us know in the comments how you feel about the discussion and our new intro music.

Through a reflection on recent occurrences we dissect sexism and patriarchy in Nigeria along with our guest, comrade Haleesa, from the Out of The Box podcast. Focusing on electoral politics, employment rates, ownership and education, we discuss the challenges facing women in Nigeria. We examine the strength of a feminist counter movement and the strength of representation in challenging the status quo. We also look at the journey of feminism so far through the lens of policy, social organization and identity formation in our African society. We scrutinize the gains that have been made for the rights of women culturally, legally and sociologically in recent times whilst exploring the intersection of class exploitation and gender dynamics. Are we pushing towards a more egalitarian society? Have things regressed? What is the way forward with regards to the fight for womens' emancipation in Nigeria?

Days after the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in light of the sexual harrassment allegations she tabled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, we discuss the socio-cultural ripple effects of her defiance against the rotten political institution. What, if anything, might her actions might mean for women in lower economic strata of society? We also examine the consequences of stratification among men within patriarchy and the defense of this system by higher ranking women who might seem to benefit even if only temporarily.

In this episode, we use the homage paid to the ex-President Babangida in light of his book launch as a springboard to discuss the influence his regime had and continues to have on Nigeria's economic direction. Combing through the adulation, we examine the love and generosity doled out to the evil genius by different shades and stripes of Nigeria's elite and business class. Why did he decide to "write" an autobiography? Are the bones of contention he tackles in his book relevant today? We also poke at the persistent myth of Nigeria's economic and ideological rudderlessness. In probing the legacy of Babangida's neoliberal reforms, we go further to tackle the notion of the non-existence of an economic blueprint and fiscal framework. Is it all just vibes and chaos? Are our leaders simply aggressively incompetent and myopically corrupt? How does all the neoliberalism elude Nigerians? Is there a plan at all? Has there ever been? Listen and find out what we think.

This news round up episode revisits Nigerian online conservatism, running through recent responses to the early executive orders of Trump 2.0. We also discuss Kemi Badenoch's constant reference to Nigeria and the chances that she is being a wily tactician. Does her commentary do anything for her polling numbers? Is there anything to read into in the notoriety she gains from Nigerians online who contribute to her trending? Is this nothing more than an anti-immigration tease? We also examine "vawulence" online as a phenomenon and the factors that might contribute to Nigerians having the reputation for being vindictive on social media. Do Nigerians have too much time on their hands? Is the comparative price of data a contributor? Why does every aspiring celebrity employ the tacky strategy of engaging/rousing Nigerians on social media? Is social media simply an outlet for something deeper in our culture? Stick around and find out what we think?

We start the year with a crossover episode featuring the Out of The Box podcast & guest hosted by our friend Commander Matrix. The episode discusses the annual influx of tourists, celebrities and disaporans who come to celebrate the festive season in Lagos and the economic effects of that inflow. We also examine the sociocultural phenomena that arise from the interaction between locals and tourists/celebrities. Among other things, we ponder the dynamics of class performance of the working class of first world countries and their interaction with the Lagos working class. What is it about Lagos that draws such a number in December? Is it absurd to consider Lagos a tourist destination? Can more be done to ensure that the annual influx has a more positive impact? Listen and find out.

In this episode, we tackle the thorny 2024 tax bill. Is “the North’s” reaction valid? Are there progressive components in the tax bill? We also prod the case of *alleged* defamation made against Mr Dele Farotimi, his arrest and the response from the general population and some sections of the left. Does this warrant protest? Stick around to the end to find out what our most popular 2024 episodes were and what are our 2025 podcasting resolutions.

As we all delve deeper into the neoliberal vortex, a common coping mechanism is the tendency to look back nostalgically at the “good old days" — wishing for a return of bygone eras when more ‘competent’, ‘kind hearted’ or ‘decisive’ leaders held the reins. While romanticizing past presidents appears to be a global phenomenon, there is a particular version in Nigeria that is especially sickening — insofar as the leaders in question (those that held power during the 4th Republic [1999 — present]) were among the architects of the current madness. All this begs the question: why are we so quick to forgive and forget with past presidents? Why the sudden pining for the return of Goodluck Jonathan? We examined the habit of romanticizing past tenures and why people struggle to situate bygone leaders within a policy and ideological trajectory. We also try to understand why presidents loom so large in Nigerian public discourse relative to, say, finance ministers… And then finally, after all our grammar, we succumb to…

We explore the widespread support for the Republican president elect among Nigerians (men, yes, but also women). We discuss possible reasons for his popularity in parts of the developing world, assessing whether or not there is a meaningful economic self interest expressed in Tropical Trumpism. We probe assumptions and projections about his administration with relation to foreign policy, trade relations and regional cooperation. Are there defining features that may split the Nigerian commentariat into the Democrat and Republican camps? What alliances might exist between the Nigerian political parties and the North American ones? Can Trump's popularity in Nigeria be chalked down to social conservatism? Is it simply a case of a people successfully propagandized? Let us know what you think.

In this episode, our friend Ayoola Babalola converses with Momodou Taal in light of his suspension due to his activism for the Palestinian cause. They cycle through the sequence of events, the punishment meted out, the ways he has tried to appeal his case and the support he has received so far. They also discuss how one can spread awareness about the ongoing genocide of Palestinians and the ways young Africans who may be ignorant of the ongoing genocide due to quasi-religious sentiments can reorient themselves. The power of social media as a tool in the general scheme of things and the ways Western academic institutions enable the violence and bloodshed are also discussed.

As the Tinubu-era austerity bites harder and state repression becomes more commonplace, we examine the reactions of the general populace to the neoliberal policies usually prescribed and lauded by the IMF and World Bank. We also look at possible reasons for the reluctance of the previous administration regarding the implementation of these policies as compared to the eagerness of the current administration. In this episode, we probe the odds that these policies are rolled back due to mass mobilization or strategic policy changes and the chances that energy alternatives are implemented amidst PMS scarcity and costliness. What can be made of the Tinubu's cabinet reshuffle? How does the Left respond to the worsening situation inside and outside of organized labour? Listen and find out what we think.

Hello there! The crew got together a few weeks ago to react to the Edo state elections and its outcomes, the aftermath of the #EndBadGovernance protests and the lead up to the #FearlessInOctober protests and Dangote's antics with regards to fuel pricing and logistics. In this current affairs episode, we delved deeper into the politics of vote buying, the intricacies of the electoral process, and mass mobilization. What options are available to the increasing amount of voters apathetic to the electoral process? What should be the next step for Nigerians after coming out to protest? Is foreign pressure likely to give Dangote the edge over the NNPC? Listen to the full episode and find out what we think

In this episode we are joined by Ibrahim Wali and Comrade Hamza of Ranters HQ @rantitoutspace to talk about the birth of the platform, its evolution and the objectives of the #RANTitOut movement. This bleeds into a conversation on the rise of anti-establishment sentiment and radicalism in Northern Nigeria. We also share perspectives on the newer class of Northern technocrats, comparisons with their peers in the South, reactions to the PMS scarcity and the presence of any sympathy for Dangote among the masses.

Prior to his having been declared ‘wanted’ by the Nigerian authorities, we converse with the Iva Valley bookshop owner, Drew Povey on 31st August 2024, about the #EndBadGovernance protests and the invasion of his bookshop and the NLC headquarters. We talk about the terrorism and espionage charges, details of the case with regards to his wife, comrade Yomi, the assets that have been seized or ransacked and the treatment of the arrested protesters. We also cycle through topics such as his stance on the Francophone coups and ongoing military regimes and the general strategy of the NLC among other things.

In another film club special, Commander Matrix @_missward and Comrade Pedro @pedro_omolola join us in reviewing Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti's biopic. What were the general reactions to the film? Does Bolanle Austen-Peters do justice in her take on the life of the Lioness of Lisabi? What is the place of class within feminism? How did colonialism contribute to the misogyny that permeates Nigerian society? Is there hope for a more well-rounded and dynamic effort within Nigerian feminism? Listen and find out in our latest episode. Shoutout @Oloriebiobasa who helped us out with episode art. Also check out their social media presence -Take It Back Movement @TIBmovement - Fighting Two Colonialisms: Women in Guinea-Bissau by Stephanie

In the heat of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests across the country we voice our early observations and assess the response of the Tinubu administration so far. While discussing possible fissures and tendencies in the political elite as well as the masses, we also ask what strategies the current administration has employed to deal with the protests, what demographics are represented in the current events, what shape the response of the people to Tinubu's speech might take and much more.

In this episode we discuss a few recent political developments across Africa, their budding effects and their possible outcomes. How might we assess the fate of ECOWAS and West Africa’s international relations in light of the rise of the Alliance for Sahelian States (AES— or ASS depending who you ask)? What do we know about the recent #FinanceBill and #RutoMustGo protests in Kenya? What have they learned from #EndSARS? And why does the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC always seem to drop the ball at the most crucial moments? You’ll find these and more questions (and even some answers…) if you listen to the full episode.

In our first of many conversations with Baba Aye (@BabaAye), a revolutionary trade unionist, historian, and theorist, we discuss the origins of neoliberalism in Nigeria and how it shaped and was in turn influenced by the development of the Nigerian Left. To what extent did resistance to Structural Adjustment allow the Left to reconstitute itself in the 1980s? How is the Left responding to the deepening of these reforms under the Tinubu administration? Shouts to @Homieismoi for the production support.

In this episode, we sit down to talk to Comrades Fatai and Sango of the Movement for African Emancipation (MAE). Amongst other things, we get a feel of its organisational mission as it builds on the work of Late Comrade Baba Omojola. Also, as part of our What is Left of the Left series, we discuss the bolt and joints and other mechanics of the ongoing project of digitizing the Baba Omojola Memorial Library (BOML). Check out their social media presence and gofund me campaign to support the new library: -Movement For African Emancipation -Help Build Baba Ọmọjọlá Socialist Memorial Library

Nigerian politics is certainly more and more comedic - but can Nigerian comedy be more political? In this episode, we spoke to Dexmond, a budding act in the Nigerian comedy scene. We briefly discussed his entry into comedy, the evolution of the industry, and its peculiarities in the social media era. Naturally, we also examined the status and role of comedy in the context of Nigerian politics. Is comedy in Nigeria already a conquered terrain? Or is comedy able to raise consciousness and challenge power? Should it? Be sure to check out Dexmond's Youtube channel and look out for his upcoming special on your usual platforms. And also stop by his Instagram page for more laughs.

Hello there. We've been on a health break. But we are still here. We still pod. We've got a new episode for you. In our latest episode and the first of a new and exciting mini-series (henceforth WLNL) on the actually-existing Nigerian Left, we have a chat with Comrade Chido Onumah, a journalist and archivist, about the Socialist Library and Archive (SOLAR) Calabar, and its ongoing digitization project. We were curious to know, amongst other things, about the origins of SOLAR, their ongoing work, what lay behind the impulse of Comrades Eddie and Bene Madunagu handing over their Combined and Extended Library over to the Nigerian Left -- and, of course, what the gesture means in practical terms. Enjoy. Links: The SOLAR Website: http://socialistlibraryandarchives.org Generations of the Nigerian and African Left – History and historicity, By Biodun Jeyifo https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/606335-generations-of-the-nigerian-and-african-left-history-and-historicity-by-biodun-jeyifo.html?tztc=1

In light of the recent #EndHunger Protests around the country, we talked to one of the organisers and director of the #TakeItBack Movement ( @AyowoleSanyaolu ) to assess the politico-economic conditions leading up to the mass action, historic (in)actions of the Unions and its effects on the citizenry. We also discussed possible actions that could reinvigorate mass consciousness and deepen on-the-ground political work towards a fundamental change. Image Credit https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-protests-government-economy-inflation-2dcb6ec98716772b6630476e13880c82

In our latest episode, we examine the Vietnamese socialist project in a lighthearted conversation with Taofeek ( @afolxbi ), a young Nigerian communist who visited recently. Amongst the many things we looked to learn, we were curious to know if and/or how, decades after their protracted civil war, a 'unified' Vietnam is moving on. We also covered issues around attitudes towards (economic) development outside of the cities. The Vietnamese lesson (hammers & sickles), as you might find, is that an engaged citizenry is a vital component of nation building

Back from the January Hiatus, we discuss recent developments in the ongoing Ecowas crisis. Why is Ecowas in crisis? Were the junta run countries of the Sahel right to (ecow)exit the regional body? What is Ecowas actually good for? Should the body even exist? Also, if you stay till the end of the show, you'll hear about our exciting new partnership (not with Wagner group, but...) Photo credit: Africa Report

As a year end bonus, we decided to release this slightly controversial, somewhat theoretical debate we had about the pitfalls of 'independence' and the possibility that the very notion of a post-colonial nation-state -- i.e. national liberation -- was the foundational scam. Is there anything to be said about the argument that independence was, in some cases, premature? Was there ever a chance that even a revolutionary (petty bourgeois) anti-colonial leadership would commit 'class suicide' and give way to a popular democracy? Or was the seizure of the nation-state from imperialists by anti-colonial radicals always a doomed mission? Maybe we are asking the wrong questions here. Feedback welcomed.

In our final recording of the year, we consider a little-remembered institution that laid the foundation for many state-led scams to come: the colonial and post-independence era agricultural produce marketing boards. We discussed why they were founded by the colonial state, why they became indispensable to the post-independence regional governments, how they (sort of) ended, and whether they are inherently fraudulent or can be repurposed. Enjoy... And happy holidays! **The cover poster is one of a series of more than 200, commissioned and published by the British government's Empire Marketing Board between 1926 and 1933. The EMB's main functions were to research the production, trade and use of goods throughout the British Empire and to promote the idea of 'Buying Empire'. It organised poster campaigns, exhibitions and shop window displays, 'Empire shopping weeks', lectures, radio talks, school tours, and advertisements in the national and local press. This image, by designer Gerald Pryse, shows an exotic…

We discuss the short-lived general strike -- possibly Nigeria's first in a decade -- to understand it's links to the ongoing economic crisis. What caused the strike and why did it end so quickly? What led to the assault on Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC president? Did the strike contribute to rebuilding Labour's waning public legitimacy, or to further undermining it?

You might already know: we've been running a reading group on Nigerian Political Economy. This episode reviews some highlights from our first three sessions which covered the development of capitalism in pre-colonial, colonial, and pre-civil war Nigeria. Spanning over a millennia of West-African history, the discussion was, to say the least, ambitious. But we were greatly aided by Bobby (@iyi_bobby on X), one of the most insightful participants in our reading sessions. Enjoy -- and also let us know if you're interested in joining future editions of the reading group.

We discussed the protests that accompanied the passing of the Afrobeatz recording artist, Mohbad, as well as the dark side of the Nigerian music industry (and discovered how this intersects with the origin story of @OAG). Was there ever a pseudo-anarchist character to Naira Marley, as some observers (see references) proposed? Amid the current economic crisis, could one argue that 'the youths' were protesting about the 'wrong' Naira? References: On the politics of Marlianism: https://www.africasacountry.com/2020/10/good-influence A critique of the politics of Marlianism: https://africasacountry.com/2020/08/naira-marley-is-no-revolutionary On social non-movements: https://endnotes.org.uk/posts/endnotes-onward-barbarians

We explore the origins of Nigeria's fuel subsidy and popular resistance to its removal, aided by sociologist Camilla Houeland (@CamillaHoueland) -- a researcher at the Fafo, Norway, and associate professor in Sociology and Human Geography at the University of Oslo. Have Nigeria's Labour Unions given up on resisting the removal of the subsidy? What should we make of environmentalist criticisms of policies that seem to promote the use of fossil fuels? Why do petrol subsidies remain an important point of leverage for Nigerian working class and poor households? How might some of the flaws and fraudulent loopholes of the subsidy be reformed?

We review the state of debate about the removal of Nigeria's fuel subsidy. Our own debate quickly turns to examining whether the Tinubu administration's sudden 'Subsidy ti lo' approach to announcing the subsidy removal on his inauguration day was either a 'gaffe' or an effective ploy to impose austerity and enrich the ruling-class while demobilizing popular forces -- i.e. 'shock therapy'. This episode is the first of a two part series. The second part is an interview with a scholar of Nigerian labour unions who will talk us through the rise and fall of popular opposition towards subsidy removal. Enjoy and stay tuned.