Renowned political economist Professor Pat Utomi has warned that Nigeria is steadily losing its relevance both locally and globally due to poor leadership, a weak political culture, and the failure of the ruling class to engage in thoughtful governance.
Speaking during a monitored interview, Utomi said Nigeria once occupied a position of pride and strategic importance in Africa and the world but has since drifted into decline because its leaders failed to sustain the optimism and discipline of earlier generations.
According to him, Nigeria’s loss of global relevance is one of the country’s most painful setbacks. He recalled a time when no major global power took action in Africa without first considering Nigeria’s position, a reality he said no longer exists.
Utomi blamed the decline largely on the deterioration in the quality of Nigeria’s political class, noting that today’s leaders lack the intellectual depth and sense of responsibility that once defined public service. He lamented the absence of meaningful debate, accountability, and long-term thinking in governance.
Drawing lessons from Liberia’s civil war, Utomi warned that Nigeria is following a dangerous path by ignoring early warning signs of societal collapse. He recounted how elites in Liberia remained silent in the face of growing misconduct to protect personal privileges, only for the nation to descend into chaos.
He argued that Nigeria failed to learn from its efforts to rescue other African countries from collapse and has instead embraced a culture where public office is driven by personal enrichment rather than national interest.
Utomi criticised the excessive display of wealth by public officials in a country grappling with poverty, contrasting Nigeria’s leadership culture with countries like Singapore and Egypt, where modest living by leaders has translated into better infrastructure and governance.
According to him, the “big man” culture entrenched during military rule has persisted under democratic governments, leading to reckless spending and misplaced priorities.
He called for a new way of thinking anchored on responsible citizenship, ethical leadership, and the courage to speak truth to power. Citing the works of economic historians, Utomi stressed that societies fail when citizens stop questioning authority and allow incompetence to dominate decision-making.
Despite the challenges, Utomi expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, describing Nigerians as highly adaptable and willing to follow good leadership when shown positive examples.
He concluded that Nigeria’s recovery depends on a small but committed group of leaders who are willing to put national interest above personal gain and lead by example, insisting that meaningful change is still possible if the right choices are made.
