The Nigerian Scam

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...

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...

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....

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 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 Stat...

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 Mus...

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 underutilisati...

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 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 — sugges...

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 affa...

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 i...

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 any...

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 implemen...

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 th...

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? W...

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...

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 stra...

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 decid...

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 wh...

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 tou...

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 w...

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 —...

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 rel...

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 y...

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 admin...