Afrobeat musician Seun Anikulapo-Kuti has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy, calling it a “wicked decision” that worsens the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians. Kuti argued that the decision, which Tinubu described as a “tough” but necessary move for the country’s benefit, is instead a harmful policy prioritizing personal interests over public welfare.
During an Instagram Live session, Kuti also condemned the government’s purchase of a $150 million jet for the President, pointing out that such funds could have been better spent on critical areas like education. He claimed that the money could have built and maintained ten primary schools for 20 years, providing long-term benefits to Nigerian children.
Kuti questioned who authorized such spending and criticized Tinubu for claiming the subsidy removal was beyond his control, especially since he also serves as Minister of Petroleum. He insisted that there was no difficulty in the decision, calling it a deliberate act that harms the Nigerian public. Kuti stressed that both the subsidy removal and floating of the naira were designed to hurt Nigerians, not help them.
In his view, the policy reflects poor leadership priorities, especially at a time when the country’s education and other vital sectors are underfunded.