United Kingdom / Lagos, Nigeria — November 6, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
Nigerian rapper Zlatan Ibile has criticized the federal government for its response to the country’s worsening economic hardship, lamenting that Nigerians have become so accustomed to suffering that the hardship itself has been normalized. The comments came during an interview in the UK, where Zlatan discussed the contrast between Nigeria’s nightlife and the dire conditions on the streets.
While reacting to a satirical video by British rapper Dave — which depicted the stark divide between wealthy club-goers and impoverished beggars outside the venues — Zlatan said:
“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 criticized what he called the “entitlement mentality” among some beggars who, despite receiving alms from generous Nigerians and artists, have not sought meaningful economic engagement. “Some of them have refused to go into productive ventures despite all the help they get. It’s annoying,” he said.
Zlatan pressed for self-drive among vulnerable youth, emphasising the importance of dignified livelihood over charity dependency. At the same time, he reiterated that structural change is required from the government to alleviate the daily burden on millions of Nigerians.