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The Nigerian Scam
by The Nigerian Scam
Can the talakawa sorosoke? The Nigerian Scam examines politics, history, and culture from class and ideological perspectives.
Episodes
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70. Owning a Piece of 'The Nigerian People's' Refinery.
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...
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69. School Na Scam? Education, Entertainment and Class in Nigeria
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...
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68. Growth Without Development: The Real Achievements of Nigerian Neo-liberalism
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...
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67. Mark of the Hawk: Hollywood, Propaganda, and the Battle for African Independence
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...
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66. Feeding Bottle Billionaire Club (FBBC): Origins of Nigerian Oligarchs Episode One
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...
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65. Assuming NDC is "Re-registered”
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...
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64. Insecurity, Protests and The Nigerian Left
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...
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63. OAU and Nigeria's Millennial Left
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…
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62. State of the Nation: Nigeria in 2026
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...
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61. Confessions of an Ex-APC Marxist
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...
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60. Oblee Economy: Class, Gender Wars, and the Case against Detty December ft. P0liticalbaby (@Mao_0k)
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...
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59. Trump's Real Interests in Nigeria
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…
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58. Anti-Immigrant Sentiment and the 2027 Elections
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...
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57. Christian Genocide in Nigeria
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…
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56. Lagos Stinks!!!
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...
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55. Economic Crisis, Status Consciousness, and the Nigerian Middle Class
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)...
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54. Dawn of the ADC
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...
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Scam Hall of Fame Ep 4: Structural Adjustment Programs
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...
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53. Bala Blu or Lee Kwan Yew?
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...
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52. Let The Chips Fall Where They May
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...
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51. Let’s Talk About Sex-ism
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…
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50. Why Are We Calling Her “Natasha”?
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...
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49. 16 Billion Problems and A Book ain't One
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...
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48. The Internet is the Opium
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...
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47. The Dialectics of Detty December
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....
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46. Tax Reform, #FreeDeleFarotimi, 2024 round up
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…
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45. Presidential Amnesia in the Information Age
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...
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44. Why Trump (would have) won in Nigeria -- aka Tropical Trumpism
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.…
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43. Exclusive Interview with Momodou Taal
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....
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42. Don't Blame the IMF
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...
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41. Reflections on the Edo State Elections, Mass Protests and Aliko's Antics
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...
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40. Northern Radicalism Reborn?
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…
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39. Our Exclusive Interview with ‘wanted Briton’ Drew Povey
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…
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38. Feminism and Class in Colonial Nigeria - A Review of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (2024)
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…
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37. #EndBadGovernance: Some Preliminary Notes
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...
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36. Sahel-exit, NLC betrayal, and #RutoMustGo
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...
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35. From Military misadventures to Tinubu tragedy: Neoliberal reforms and the Nigerian Left ft. Baba Aye
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…
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What's Left of the Nigerian Left Ep 2: Movement for African Emancipation
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…
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34. On Comedy and the African Revolution ft. Dexmond the Comedian
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...
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What's Left of the Nigerian Left Ep 1: The Socialist Library and Archive (SOLAR) Calabar ft. Chido Onumah
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…
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33. #EndHunger Protests : From Economic Crisis to Political Crisis?
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...
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32. A Nigerian Communist in Vietnam
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…
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31. Eco was, Ecowars, Ecoworse
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...
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30. Was national liberation the scam?
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…
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Scam Hall of Fame Ep 3: Agricultural marketing boards in colonial and 'independent' Nigeria
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...
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29. Why we struck
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...
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28. Precolonial Capitalism to the First Republic ft. @iyi_bobby
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...
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27. Mohbad protests, celebrities and social (non-)movements
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...
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26. 'Is Nigeria's fuel subsidy still worth fighting for?' ft. Camilla Houeland
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...
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25. Subsidy removal and popular resistance pt. 1
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...
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How many episodes does The Nigerian Scam have?
The Nigerian Scam currently has 78 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Nigerian Scam about?
Can the talakawa sorosoke? The Nigerian Scam examines politics, history, and culture from class and ideological perspectives.
How often does The Nigerian Scam release new episodes?
The Nigerian Scam has 78 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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The Nigerian Scam is created and hosted by The Nigerian Scam.
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