Pat Utomi Condemns Nigeria’s Poverty Crisis as “Shameful”
Prominent political economist and former presidential aspirant, Professor Pat Utomi, has expressed deep concerns over the alarming levels of poverty in Nigeria, labelling the situation as “shameful.” Speaking at the launch of The New Tribe during a Global Village Square Town Hall meeting in Lagos, Utomidecried the fact that Nigeria now houses more poor people than India, a country with a population seven times larger.
“This nation, once hailed for its great potential, is still crawling at 64 years of independence,” Utomi stated, his voice laced with frustration. “Nigeria has become the place of residence for the poorest people on Earth. A Brookings study from a few years ago revealed that, in absolute terms, there are more poor people in Nigeria than in India. How? How can the richest become the poorest? It’s a national disgrace.”
Utomi pointed to a collapse in societal values as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s ongoing challenges. “Progress is deeply tied to culture, to values,” he emphasised. “In Nigeria, the decline of culture is evident. The political class is an embarrassment; shame is no longer a driving force in public life.”
His critique extended to Nigeria’s crumbling institutions, particularly the judiciary, which Utomi believes is deterring much-needed foreign investment. “The Nigerian judiciary is a global joke,” he remarked. “Investors avoid Nigeria because they know that if they have a dispute, going to court is futile. They’d rather invest in countries with lower returns but at least have access to functioning justice systems.”
Utomi’s New Tribe initiative seeks to unite progressive minds in Nigeria and the diaspora to drive change, bypassing the slow-moving machinery of government. He emphasised the critical role of the diaspora in the nation’s development, drawing comparisons to Japan, India, and China, where overseas citizens played a crucial role in national transformation.
“The diaspora is key to Nigeria’s rebirth,” Utomi declared, invoking the spirit of Ubuntu—the African philosophy that “I am because we are.” He highlighted one of the initiative’s projects, which aims to tap into the expertise of medical professionals abroad to enhance emergency services and health care in Nigeria.
The event brought together a range of influential figures, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), ObidientMovement leader Dr. Yinusa Tanko, and former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku. Attendees signed a Memorandum of Understanding with three state governments, committing to improving emergency services in partnership with The New Tribe initiative.
As Nigeria grapples with its deepening crisis, Utomi’simpassioned plea underscores a growing call for reform, ethical leadership, and a renewed sense of collective responsibility.
