Nigeria’s broadcasting regulator has ordered a ban on the song "Tell Your Papa" by veteran artist Eedris Abdulkareem, citing violations of the country’s broadcast code.

The track directly criticises President Bola Tinubu and has been at the centre of heated public debate over worsening economic and security conditions in the country.

In an official letter sent to television and radio stations, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) described the song as "inappropriate" and "objectionable," saying it does not meet standards of public decency as outlined in the broadcast code.

The commission has directed all stations to stop playing the track.

The lyrics, which mix English, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin, take aim at President Tinubu’s leadership and urge his son, Seyi Tinubu, to inform his father that people are suffering due to high levels of poverty and insecurity.

"People are dying," the song laments, noting the widespread hunger and hardship experienced across Nigeria.

Since its release earlier in the week, "Tell Your Papa" has stirred strong reactions online.

The song quickly went viral on social media, with many Nigerians relating to its message amid ongoing struggles with rising prices and fears about safety.

The economic challenges highlighted in the song reflect the aftermath of reforms introduced by President Tinubu since he took office in May 2023.

His decision to remove the longstanding fuel subsidy led to a sharp increase in petrol prices, triggering a chain reaction of inflation throughout the economy.

Throughout 2024, inflation remained above 30%, and basic food items became unaffordable for many. In some cases, families have had to reduce how often they eat or the amount of food on their plates.

The song also references growing insecurity across Nigeria.

Kidnappings for ransom remain frequent, and concerns persist over the activities of armed groups, especially in the north-east where Boko Haram once held strongholds.

Addressing these issues in his lyrics, Abdulkareem tells Seyi Tinubu, "Your papa no dey try," accusing the president of failing to fulfil promises.

He challenges the president’s son to travel by road instead of using private jets to witness the dangers that ordinary Nigerians face every day.

In response to the criticism, the government has defended its economic policies as necessary steps toward long-term stability.

Officials point to a cash transfer programme aimed at helping 15 million low-income households cope with rising costs.

On security, the government claims there has been improvement over the past year and a half, though many Nigerians still express fear and frustration.

The NBC, which oversees broadcast content across the country, has the authority to penalise stations that disobey its directives.

Past sanctions have included fines and licence suspensions for violations.

This is not the first time Abdulkareem has been at odds with the government. Back in 2003, his hit "Nigeria jaga jaga" – which means "Nigeria is messed up" – drew a strong reaction from then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who publicly insulted the artist.

That song was also banned from the airwaves, but it went on to become an anthem among disillusioned Nigerians.

As the controversy around "Tell Your Papa" continues, the situation raises questions about the balance between free expression and government control in Nigeria’s media space.