Corn Seller's N2.5m Claim Sparks Online Debate

A video of a corn seller claiming she makes over N2.5 million every month has caused a stir on social media. Many Nigerians are questioning this claim, while some are defending it. This has brought back talks about how profitable small businesses can be.

The short clip was shared on X by #ChuksEricE on Sunday. In the video, a woman asked the corn seller how much money she makes from selling corn.

The seller replied, “Per month I make like 2.5 million.”

It was not clear if the video was made for fun or if it was a casual street interview. Regardless, the video quickly went viral, gathering thousands of comments on X and Instagram.

One user, #okafor_nna, questioned the math behind the claim. They wrote, “2.5 million a month, she’s a joker. It means she makes like 84 thousand profit every day… for a corn of 500 Naira, let’s assume you make profit of 200 Naira on every… it still doesn’t add.”

Another user, #Nigash_, dismissed the claim, saying, “2.5m na you still be like this. You, the interviewer and who ask you make you talk this lie dey crase.”

#DrLeguzo also expressed doubt, saying, “That’s absolutely false. Two things: 1. She did not understand the question 2. She doesn’t know what 2.5m is. Easy nut to crack. How many corns does she sell on a given day and how much does she sell on average? Exaggeration at worst.”

Some users asked questions instead of outright rejecting the figure. #Iamjezyg wondered, “So after the corn season is over, how else is she making the sales?”

Others worried that the attention could put the seller in danger. User #nonchallantjay wrote, “Una nogo spread am keh. When boys kidnap this lady and ask for ransom na then truth go come out.”

There were also funny responses. #DojaO joked, “Make first Lady Sha no see this one, abi what is all this ehn?” while #Mr_more001 commented, “Because she’s the only one selling corn. She should hide her face.”

On Instagram, reactions were mixed as well. User #victor_kaizen_ said, “See the way they dressed her up well,” while #unchartteed1 suggested, “She fit get 100 branch.”

This renewed attention comes weeks after First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu asked Nigerian women to consider low-capital businesses. She mentioned frying akara, roasting corn, and making kulikuli as good options that could get grants instead of loans.

Her comments were criticized by many Nigerians. They felt it ignored the country's tough economic situation, with rising inflation, high food prices, and unemployment.

The First Lady later defended her statements. She said the Federal Government’s support goes beyond akara sellers to include those selling tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, and roasted plantain. She also mentioned that the Federal Government gave N100 million to the Jigawa State Government to help 2,000 petty traders with N50,000 each through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, also defended the First Lady. He called the backlash a “performative circus of selective amnesia.” He said critics ignored the wider support from the Renewed Hope Initiative for women's empowerment, healthcare, and vulnerable groups.

The debate is not just about politics or social media. It even came up in an exam at Prince Abubakar Audu University in Kogi State. Students were asked to create an advocacy advertisement based on the First Lady’s remarks. This shows that talks about small businesses, economic empowerment, and livelihoods are still very much alive in Nigeria.