Sapa Can – 2023

Sapa-Can reflects the chaotic aftermath of President Tinubu’s sudden decision to end the fuel subsidy program on May 29, 2023, the very day of his inauguration. The fuel subsidy, a long-standing government initiative meant to keep fuel prices affordable for citizens, was abruptly removed, causing fuel prices to skyrocket almost overnight. This announcement led to tripled fuel costs, long queues at petrol stations, and a rapid surge in inflation that affected goods and services across the country in the days that followed.

In this piece, the jerrican—commonly found in Nigerian households as a tool for skipping fuel queues and storing petrol—becomes a powerful metaphor. It symbolizes a “safe,” representing the black-market economy that thrives on fuel scarcity. In Nigeria, one can accumulate wealth quickly simply by hoarding and reselling petrol, a reality many have turned to to survive. The jerrican filled with Naira notes highlights how, for many, the black market has become a way to feed their families amid economic instability. This artwork underscores the nation’s reliance on fuel, the entrepreneurial desperation it breeds, and the far-reaching impacts of economic policy decisions on everyday lives.

Acrylic, Spraypaint On Canvas

Dimension – 41.91× 22.86 × 21.59 cm