Nigeria faces collapse amid Poverty, insecurity, elite failure–Utomi

Renowned political economist and public intellectual, Professor Pat Utomi, has raised alarm over what he described as Nigeria’s deepening collapse under the weight of poverty, insecurity, and elite irresponsibility, warning that the country is facing an “existential crisis” that demands urgent civic action and leadership reform.

Speaking at a media briefing organized by ‘The Big Tent’, a political coalition he convenes, Utomi painted a grim picture of the current national trajectory, citing the breakdown of rural economies, institutional decay, and the moral bankruptcy of the political elite as root causes of Nigeria’s crisis.

“The rural economy has collapsed. Farmers can’t farm, and yet our political elite are obsessed with convoys, jets, and SUVs. It’s morally bankrupt,” Utomi stated.

Utomi criticised what he described as a culture of excess and detachment among Nigeria’s ruling class, lamenting that while ordinary Nigerians face hunger, insecurity, and joblessness, the political elite remain preoccupied with luxuries.

He argued that the country’s governing institutions have become dysfunctional, unable to deliver even basic services or guarantee security for citizens.

“There is a crisis of leadership — a vacuum of values,” he said. “The elite have failed to grasp the urgency of rebuilding trust, restoring institutions, and driving inclusive development.”

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The former presidential aspirant drew attention to the collapse of agriculture in many rural areas due to insecurity and lack of support systems, noting that rural producers are now endangered by banditry and kidnapping.

“The countryside is no longer a place for economic activity. Our farmers can’t go to their farms. This means food insecurity, job loss, and more urban migration into slums already under stress,” Utomi warned.

Utomi also highlighted the direct link between poverty and rising insecurity, warning that as more Nigerians fall below the poverty line, criminal groups, insurgents, and extremists find a larger pool of vulnerable recruits.

“Poverty is a national security risk,” he emphasized. “When people are desperate and excluded, they become easy targets for terrorists and criminals.”

He called for a decentralised security framework, stressing that the centralised policing system is inadequate for a country as large and diverse as Nigeria.

“Without decentralised policing, our communities will remain vulnerable. We need to rethink our national security architecture urgently,” he said.

Utomi urged Nigerians — particularly civil society groups, the youth, and professionals — to rise above apathy and mobilize around civic values and responsible governance.

“This is not just another political moment. This is a fight for the soul of our country. We must reclaim it through active citizenship and ethical leadership,” he concluded.

Utomi’s remarks have drawn wide attention as they echo growing concerns over the economic and security situation in Nigeria, even as the country grapples with inflation, rising debt, and mounting public discontent.

Political observers say his message could catalyze renewed dialogue on governance reform and national development ahead of the next political cycle.