Nigerian comedian Layi Wasabi recently talked on the low minimum wage and the exchange rate as well as the present status of Nigeria’s economy.
The comic recently discussed his career journey on The 90’s Babies Show in London. He talked about how he went from stand-up comedy to creating skits and his boarding school experiences.
Speaking about the economic difficulties Nigeria faces, Layi called the current state of affairs “crazy.”
He noted,
“The economic situation in Nigeria is crazy, the exchange rate is crazy. The government is really old, I won’t say the president but the government is old.”
Layi emphasised the ability of Nigerians to persevere in the face of economic adversity and the use of humour to make people laugh under trying circumstances.
Through his humorous content, he discussed the effect of news on people’s mental health and the significance of offering little moments of humour.
The comedian also highlighted the hardships that many Nigerians endure, underlining the stress brought on by the low minimum wage in the nation.
“Regardless of everything, Nigerians are happy people which is why I enjoy my job because it is one of the mediums where you provide happiness for the people. I have seen situations where the news makes people depressed and I’ve seen people asking for me to drop skits to get their mind off the thing. There is always a lot going on in Nigeria which is why when they changed the national anthem we were like ‘In this situation?’”
“Since the recent increase in the dollar, it’s been hard because the minimum wage hasn’t been increased and there have been protests by the NLC for the government to increase it. A lot of people can’t afford basic amenities, we couldn’t afford it before but now we can afford it even less.”
Layi also addressing the phenomenon of mass emigration from Nigeria, known as ‘Japa,’ attributing it to the challenging economic conditions in the country.
“That’s the situation Nigeria is in and people are trying to leave the country and it’s hard too because of the stringent laws of the country we’re trying to move to. I think there should be awareness of what is going on” he stated.
