Nollywood Actor Ugo Nwokolo Sparks Debate, Claims ‘Yahoo’ Has Helped Nigeria’s Economy

Nollywood actor Ugo Nwokolo has ignited debate on social media after claiming that internet fraud, popularly known as Yahoo, has contributed to keeping Nigeria’s economy afloat amid the country’s worsening economic hardship.

Speaking during a video discussion, the actor argued that the rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians, particularly civil servants, to survive on their monthly earnings.

Nwokolo said workers earning between ₦50,000 and ₦90,000 monthly could not realistically afford the soaring cost of housing, especially in major cities like Abuja and Lagos, where rents have climbed sharply in recent years.

“Personally, I think Yahoo has helped keep the economy afloat. Do you expect a civil servant to afford house rent of ₦3 million or ₦5 million in Abuja?” he said.

The actor further questioned how low-income earners could cope with other rising expenses, including clothing and other basic needs. He argued that only financially comfortable individuals, including those involved in internet fraud, appear able to afford the current cost of living.

Referring to the Lagos housing market, Nwokolo claimed that renting a two-bedroom apartment could cost between ₦7 million and ₦8 million, asking who, aside from the wealthy, could afford such prices.

Despite his comments, the actor stressed that he was not endorsing internet fraud. Instead, he said his remarks were intended to highlight the severe economic pressures facing many Nigerians and the desperation that has pushed some people into criminal activities.

“I’m not justifying crime, but yes, Yahoo is helping the economy. How do you expect people to live in this kind of economy?” he added.

Nwokolo’s comments have since generated mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that the country’s economic challenges are driving desperation, while others criticised his remarks, arguing that criminal activity cannot be viewed as a solution to Nigeria’s economic problems