[OPINION] As Naira Falls, Loses Local, International Relevance: Can It Get MohBad (Worse)? By Mecha Kingsley Ukpai

For years, the Naira, Nigeria’s official currency, has been declining. It traded at 197 to the US dollar in 2016, but by 2023, it had plunged to 700 to the dollar. This is a depreciation of over 70% in just six years.

The Naira has been caught in a storm, losing not only its value in the global financial market but also its relevance on Nigerian streets. As we investigate the connected themes of the Naira’s depreciation against the dollar, the controversial career of Nigerian street artist Naira Marley, and the terrible death of his former record label signee Mohbad, it left us wondering: can it get any worse for Naira?

The Naira, long a symbol of Nigeria’s economic might, is currently in a severe crisis. Its value against the US dollar has steadily declined, producing economic chaos in the country. The reasons for this depreciation are multifaceted, comprising issues such as inflation, government policy, and foreign economic influences. Every Nigerian is feeling the effects as the cost of daily life rises and purchasing power declines.

Naira Marley, real name Azeez Fashola, has been embroiled in several issues throughout his musical career. He has become a controversial figure in Nigerian culture, known for his explicit songs and unrepentant approach. While his music has a large following, it has also drawn criticism for propagating societal vices. The rise and fall of Naira Marley in the music business mirrors the volatility of the Nigerian Naira since it was floated.

Amidst the chaos of Naira Marley’s career, one name stood out – Mohbad. He emerged as a talented artist under Marley’s record label, Marlian Music, and quickly gained a following. Tragically, Mohbad’s life was cut short, leaving a void in the Nigerian music scene. His untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, much like the vulnerability of a struggling currency.

Mohbad emerged as a talented artist under Naira Marley’s record label, Marlian Music, and quickly gained a following. Tragically, Mohbad’s life was cut short, leaving a void in the Nigerian music scene. His untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, much like the vulnerability of a struggling currency.

The stories of the Nigerian Naira, Naira Marley, and Mohbad are strangely intertwined in an eerie twist of fate. The Naira’s depreciation shows the economic insecurity that many Nigerians, especially those in the music industry, are experiencing. The disputes surrounding Naira Marley and Mohbad’s untimely death are typical of the volatility of celebrity and money. They represent a country dealing with its own problems.