“Hungry People Are Angry People” — Seyi Law Speaks on Hardship, Hunger, and the Pain of Economic Reforms

Popular Nigerian comedian Seyi Law has opened up about the growing frustration among Nigerians, linking the rising anger in the country to worsening hunger and economic hardship.

Speaking on the Inside The Box podcast, the comedian said the high cost of living and the weakening naira have pushed many citizens to the edge, creating an atmosphere of discontent that leaders must no longer ignore.

“Nigerians are hungry, and hungry people are angry people. I feel the pain too. I hate when we try to sweep such things under the carpet, which is what politicians do,” he said.

According to Seyi Law, acknowledging people’s pain is a crucial step toward healing. He stressed that the government’s ongoing economic reforms, though well-intentioned, have brought immediate suffering that needs to be addressed with empathy and transparency.

He also shared a personal glimpse into his own struggles, revealing that supporting his family in the UK has become more expensive due to the plunging value of the naira.

“My family has been in the UK since 2019. For every naira that I change to pounds, it costs me ₦2000. It wasn’t what it was costing me before. If I was spending ₦2 million before, I have to spend ₦5 million now, so it comes with pain,” he lamented.

Despite his optimism that the reforms could yield long-term benefits, Seyi Law emphasised that leaders must be honest about the present suffering instead of masking it with political rhetoric.

Opinion: A Voice of Empathy in a Season of Pain

Seyi Law’s words hit home because they come from a place of shared experience. For once, a celebrity admits, “I feel it too.” That honesty stands out in a time when many public figures appear detached from the economic reality biting millions of Nigerians.

His statement — “Hungry people are angry people” — perfectly captures the national mood. Hunger doesn’t just empty stomachs; it empties hope. It explains the rising frustration on social media, the anger in queues, and even the silence of those too tired to complain.

Yet, what makes his perspective powerful is the call for acknowledgment. Nigerians do not necessarily expect overnight miracles, but they yearn for sincerity — a simple admission that life is tough, and that their leaders understand.

In truth, reforms may be necessary for growth, but as Seyi Law rightly pointed out, pain without empathy becomes unbearable. The comedian, known for making people laugh, has in this moment given voice to what many feel — that laughter may not heal hunger, but honesty can help restore trust.

And maybe, in that honesty, lies the first step toward rebuilding the confidence of a nation still waiting for the light at the end of this economic tunnel.