The Nigerian Scam

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 the stupid game and each reveal our own rankings of the worst presidents in the 4th Republic. Stick around to the end to find out who is Mege's least favorite, and let us know what you think/if you agree.

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 every 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 for 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 and romanticised view of palm oil production in Nigeria. International trade in palm oil began in the early 1800s and became the principal cargo for slave ships after the abolition of the slave trade. The development of industry in Britain had increased demand for palm oil as a machine lubricant, and trade increased rapidly. As people in Europe began to take sanitation and hygiene more seriously, demand for soap also increased, resulting in the production of oil for soap manufacture by companies such as Lever Brothers. In the early 1870s, exports of palm oil from the Niger Delta totalled about 30,000 tonnes per year. In 1897, competition for control of Nigeria's oil production resulted in the British raid on the Nigerian kingdom of Benin, and the notorious looting of the Benin bronzes. By 1911, British west African territories exported 87,000 tonnes, and Nigeria remained the world's largest exporter of palm oil until 1934. The Empire Marketing Board was closed down in September 1933, partly as a result of government cuts, although colonial governments had also proved reluctant to join it. Manchester Art Gallery was given an almost full set of the posters in 1935. Produced by some of the best artists and designers of the day, they were collected by the gallery as an example of outstanding British design and many are visually stunning. However, seen from today's perspective, their promotion of an imperial world view and use of stereotypical images of people and places makes for often uncomfortable viewing. This information was provided by curators from Manchester Art Gallery.***

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.

In this episode, we try to think through the unfolding regional crisis brought about by the (latest) coup in Niger. What do we know about the coup so far? Why is Ecowas beating the drums of war? Should these recent coups give us hope for the future of popular sovereignty and socialism in West Africa? Some readings: Alex Thurston on domestic dynamics of the coup in Niger: ⁠https://sahelblog.wordpress.com/2023/08/03/thoughts-on-nigers-coup-at-the-domestic-level-proximate-triggers-structural-causes-and-some-ramifications/⁠ The Military as Revolutionary Vanguard: A Critique Bjorn Beckman: https://www.jstor.org/stable/4005818

"The parable of the drum as the voice of the people" Another one for the film heads -- our review of Tunde Kelani's classic Saworoide (1999). Is this the first (and only) Nollywood film to advocate for popular resistance to capitalist environmental degredation? Is the 'traditional' aesthetic of the film distracting or inspiring? Does the film ultimately succeed as an effective form of leftist propoganda?  Full episode out for patrons only (w a shorter version to come for the teeming unwashed hordes).

This is the first of a two-part episode examining what the Nigerian Left learned from the Obidients. To tackle this, we review a series of articles about the Labour Party and Peter Obi that were written by Nigerian Left essayists and organization both before and after the elections. Check out our Patreon page to listen to the extended conversation. The "before" pieces: https://socialistlabour.com.ng/2022/06/24/tpap-m-2023-labour-and-actually-existing-labour-party/ https://www.marxist.com/the-labour-party-the-left-and-the-search-for-mass-party-of-the-working-class.htm https://africasacountry.com/2022/09/nigeria-turn-a-case-for-a-labor-party-entryism The "after" pieces: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/591165-there-was-a-movement-a-preliminary-counterintuitive-marxist-analysis-of-peter-obi-and-the-obidients-by-biodun-jeyifo.html https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/591562-obi-not-about-a-productive-economy-but-perception-of-an-incorruptible-president-by-ogaga-ifowodo.html https://socialistworkersleague.org/2023/03/03/swl-statement-on-the-presidential-election-in-nigeria/

In this episode, we put @SaeeduH on the hot-seat to discuss his recent article for @Africaisacountry on the ideological and economic legacies of the Buhari administration (we also challenge @SLASHER_OAG on whether Buharism and the Lagos Model suggest that the ruling classes have adopted a more complex mode of legitimation than the classic you chop, I chop model). Is there a perspective from which Buhari's economic policies actually succeeded? Has Tinubu come to abolish Buhari-ism or to fulfill it? Why did some commentators think that a self-described 'radical-conservative' member of the 'Kaduna mafia' was a socialist? And why do Nigerians know so little about the various intellectual traditions that have influenced their political class? Enjoy. Meanwhile, we also preview some of our exciting new announcements, including our upcoming reading group on Nigerian political economy... References: Buharism is dead, long live Buharism https://africasacountry.com/2023/04/buharism-is-dead-long-live-buharism The Lagos Model and the politics of competing conceptions of good governance in Oyo State, Nigeria 2011-2015 http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/3600/ Muslim politics and shari'a in Kano State, Northern Nigeria: https://academic.oup.com/afraf/article-abstract/114/454/28/2195195?login=false

In the second volume of our 'scam hall of fame' mini-series, we explore a classic Nigerian haux that might not have been the most daring or expensive, but was certainly the weirdest: the time Kwara State came up with the ingenious idea of importing white Zimbabwean farmers (along with tons of cows and machinery) ostensibly to set up commercial farms in the state. Now a decade after the farms were inaugurated -- with the forced displacement of thousands of indigenous Kwaran farmers -- and after millions of dollars of state investment, the majority of farms established by the white Zimbos have now, predictably, collapsed. What inspired this laughable and ultimately ill-fated scheme? Was it an 'honest' mistake or a pre-medidated racket? Were Nigerian elites the victims or beneficiaries of this scam? (Special thanks to Michael Parenti for the guest appearance). Further reading: Zimbabwean farmers in Nigeria: Exceptional farmers or spectacular support? Why white Zimbabwean farmers plan to stay in Nigeria

We are joined once again by Ayo Ademiluyi (@ComAdemiluyi), the disputed Labour Party House of Reps candidate for Eti-Osa, Lagos, to discuss the LPs victory in his constituency. Having won the LP primaries for the position ahead of party's election victory in Eti-Osa, Ayo is now engaged in a legal battle against the 'substitution candidate' (@_JtAttah) imposed after the primaries. What is the status of Ayo's efforts to reclaim his mandate? What are the chances that Ayo will be sworn in as the National Representative for Eti-Osa come June? What, more generally, is the state of left entryism in the LP? With the election receding in the rearview, how should the Nigerian left 'engage' with the LP? (apologies for some of the phone vibrations which remain in the recording despite attempts to edit)

In which we attempt to assess last weekend's governorship elections from the point of view of our regular thematic pre-occupations.

In which we discuss the (s)election of a new president - not of the NLC, that's for later - but of our glorious federal republic. In addition to offering various takes on the titular question, we also attempt to assess the reasons behind the historically low turnout of voters as well as how the Nigerian left should respond to plans by the main opposition parties to challenge the result in court.

Coming back from our harmattan hiatus, we round out the presidential campaign banter with a discussion about the naira scarcity: whether it really is engineered by 'the cabal' (per El Rufai's claim); how it might affect the election; and how an organized left would have responded to this moment.

@dvmilola joined us for our second film review, this time about an authorized biopic centered on Nigeria's wannabe Pinochet and so called "evil genius", Ibrahim Badamisi Babangida. We disagree about whether the emerging sub-genre of historically-based Nollywood films should strive to be objective, but ultimately agree that IBB is one of the greatest scam artists in Nigerian history. We watched it so that you don't have to (spoilers herein contained, obviously). So enjoy. And happy new year. And and check out our Patreon for past and future exclusives.

In this episode, we revisit the Cement Armada Scandal, which we consider one of the foundational scams of the Nigerian political economy. The scandal saw the newly oil-rich post-civil war Nigerian government bumble into ordering half of the world's concrete supply, by some estimates. The arrival of hundred of cement laden ships effectively shut down the ports in Lagos for over a year, forcing the Nigerian government to pay huge fines to real and fictitious shipping companies as a result of the delays. Involving corrupt Nigerian officials, wily shipping companies, devious British MPs, a Balkan princess, a Czech spy, a body in the Thames, and a host of other scalawags from across the globe, the scandal 'cemented' Nigeria's international reputation as an Eldorado of fraud, among its other significant legacies. In the first of our special series on Nigeria's foundational scams, we go through the major turning points of the scandal, debating its origins and long term impacts. Special thanks to @Tay007 who runs the Youtube channel "My fellow Nigerians" from which we cribbed the intro summary of the scandal. Check out his page. And, also... Check out our Patreon for past and future exclusives. Further Reading: Legacies of the Cement Armada Untangling government, market, and investment failure during the Nigerian oil boom: the Cement Armada scandal 1974–1980 (Image courtesy of https://jojonaija.com/cement-armada-affair-how-the-gowon-regime-flooded-lagos-port-with-cements/)

This episode draws out the key debates that came out of James Barnett's (@jh_barnett) reflections in our previous episode, centered on the findings of his in-person interviews with bandits in Zamfara. The full episode containing our earlier interview with James, which was free-to-listen for a limited time , is now accessible via our Patreon — which you should check out. As usual, praise, reviews, feedback and (particularly) criticisms welcomed. Recent in-depth reporting on Banditry: Merchants Of Terror (2): Inside multi-million naira farming sustaining Nigeria's terrorists

What has become of North-West Nigeria's chronic security crisis following the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, the Kuje prison break, and the fallout of the BBC Africa-Eye's documentary "THE BANDIT WARLORDS OF ZAMFARA"? Guest starring scholar/adventurist James Barnett (@jh_barnett), this episode revisits the topic of Nigeria's 'other' insurgency, variously known as the crisis of 'Banditry', of 'Fulani herdsmen', or simply as the spread of 'Boko Haram'/terrorism. After musing about the possible 'sponsors' of James' own extensive research in North West and North Central Nigeria -- research which has included speaking to many of the so-called bandits themselves -- we attempt to grapple with the origins, causes, and possible trajectory of the crisis. The wide-ranging discussion also considers the evidence for possible links between this crisis and Nigeria's various jihadist movements, as well as both the role of the state in all of this and the possibility that various parts of Nigeria are witnessing a slide into what James refers to as 'Warlordism'. Surely one of our more informative episodes -- so we've decided to release the entire thing for free. Enjoy. Further readings: Are Nigeria's bandits a new Boko Haram cell or rival ‘terrorists'? Northwestern Nigeria: A Jihadization of Banditry, or a “Banditization” of Jihad? Finally, be so kind as to check out our Patreon for past and future exclusives.

This week, we spoke with Kunle Wizeman Ajayi (@AjayiWizeman), former Lagos chair of the African Action Congress (AAC), about the AAC's ideology, 'structures', and electoral prospects. We also talked through some of the possible limitations of the AAC's strategy as well as the party's plans to respond not only to the 'obidient wave', but also to the more established obstacles: APC and PDP. One annoying issue with the recording (at least the first 10 minutes or so) is that the the mic kept picking up the vibration from Kunle's phone, as messages from AAC activists rolled in -- our sincere apologies. And special thanks to one of our day-one comrades, Commander Matrix, who recorded the disclaimer you'll hear in the intro. Enjoy. And, also... Check out our Patreon for past and future exclusives.

In this episode, we spoke to radical ASUU member Temitope 'Maberu' Fagunwa (@RealMaberu), who is also an afrobeat musician, a pan-africanist and a history Lecturer at the University of Osun State, UNIOSUN. We discussed the NLC solidarity protest and student support for the ASUU strike, the conditions of life for lectureres amidst such strikes, the possible elitism of ASUU's demands, and whether or not ASUU can play a wider vanguard role for Nigeria's working class movement. We also asked Maberu about his 'Aluta' band and where his politics and music intersect. One for the books, this. Check out our Patreon for past and future exclusives!

(by popular demand, now liiberated for the masses) Did Atiku shout us out? We review some of the best (real) feedback we've received so far, and hint at future directions/collaborations. Subscribe to our patreon for upcoming and previous bonus and premium episodes.

This is a teaser for the full episode in which we review some of our favorite feedback on the show so far. Listen to the full episode on our newly introduced patreon page (https://www.patreon.com/join/nigerianscam). We hope to use the patreon to keep up audience engagement with tailored episodes and content -- as well as to raise funds! Subscribe for access to all premium and bonus episodes.

We spoke with marxist public interest lawyer and #EndSARS activist Ayo Ademiluyi (@AYOADEMILUYI) about his campaign for House of Representatives under the Nigerian Labour Party. How is the Nigerian left responding to the Peter Obi moment? Does the Labour Party now represent a genuine working class force? Does the left have any leverage in the LP now that Obi has been given the party's presidential ticket? Can the influx of Obi-ists be radicalized? Or should a Labour Party -- now dominated by a neoliberal billionaire and his movement -- be abandoned?

Our tenth episode (!) considers electoral and economic questions as APC delegates arrive in Abuja: Are the ruling party primaries of significant to the Left? Should we put much stock in the Gen X 'progressives' now that the baby-boomer generals are dying out? Should a people's government pursue forms of industrialization in the face of climate change? etc, etc. Enjoy responsibly.