Nigerian music star Zlatan Ibile has expressed frustration over the worsening economic hardship in the country, accusing the Federal Government of failing to take meaningful action to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
The rapper, whose real name is Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, made the remarks during an interview with Madame Joyce in the United Kingdom, where he spoke about the struggles of Nigerians amid inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
Zlatan, known for blending street slang with social commentary in his music, said Nigerians have become so used to hardship that it now feels like a normal part of daily life.
“We are used to it — suffering and smiling. That’s how it has always been, and the government isn’t doing anything about it,” he lamented.
The rapper’s comments come at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with the effects of inflation and subsidy removal, which have led to higher prices for food, fuel and transportation.
Since President Bola Tinubu’s administration announced the end of the petrol subsidy in 2023, the cost of living has continued to rise sharply. Many families now struggle to afford basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare.
Zlatan said the situation has forced many Nigerians to adapt to hardship as though it were normal, adding that the government’s silence and inaction have made people lose hope.
“We just keep managing. Things are hard, but people no longer complain because they don’t expect change. That’s the sad reality,” he said.
He also referenced a recent satire by British rapper Dave, who mocked Nigeria’s social divide — portraying the stark contrast between wealthy club-goers and the poor beggars outside the clubs. Zlatan said the satire reflects real life in Nigeria, where poverty and wealth exist side by side.
“That’s exactly how it is. Some people spend millions in clubs, and outside the same place, you’ll find people begging to eat. It shows how divided our society has become,” Zlatan noted.
Beyond his criticism of government inaction, Zlatan also spoke about what he described as the “entitlement mentality” among some street beggars.
He said while many Nigerians are genuinely struggling, some have turned begging into a daily routine rather than seeking productive ways to survive.
“It’s sad, but some beggars have made it a career. They receive money from people every day, but they don’t want to work or learn a skill,” he said.
He added that it is frustrating when beggars display entitlement, expecting celebrities or successful people to constantly give them money without effort on their part.
“Sometimes it’s annoying because we also worked hard to get to where we are. Everyone should try to find something meaningful to do,” he said.
The rapper, who rose to fame in 2017 with his hit single Zanku (Leg Work), has often spoken about his humble beginnings and his desire to give back to the community.
He has also been involved in several charity drives, supporting widows, students, and struggling families. However, he maintains that long-term change must come from the government creating jobs and tackling poverty, not just from private charity.
Nigeria’s economy has faced severe pressure in recent years, with inflation reaching record highs. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), inflation rose to over 30 percent in mid-2025 — the highest in nearly two decades.
Unemployment and poverty levels have also increased, with the World Bank estimating that more than 100 million Nigerians live below the poverty line.
While the Federal Government has introduced several economic reforms under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, critics argue that the impact of those reforms has yet to be felt by ordinary Nigerians.
For artists like Zlatan Ibile, the frustration reflects a growing sentiment among young Nigerians who feel disconnected from government policies and burdened by economic hardship.
