Political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying they have made it increasingly difficult for ordinary Nigerians to produce, create wealth and run businesses.
Utomi made the remarks in a Thursday commentary on Facebook, where he said poverty was increasing, inequality was widening and the benefits promised by the government had yet to materialise.
“Tinubu’s policies have been against ordinary Nigerians. Poverty is increasing, inequality is widening, and the benefits that were promised have not come. We cannot transform Nigeria by making it harder for Nigerians to produce, create and build businesses,” he said.
The economist’s comments come amid reports that he is leading a political commission focused on encouraging opposition presidential candidates and their parties to consider forming a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission is reportedly expected to hold closed-door meetings with selected opposition presidential candidates and party leaders as part of the process.
Utomi has previously criticised the government’s economic management and its revenue policies, including taxation and charges affecting businesses.
He said Nigeria needs a people-centred economic approach that empowers citizens, expands opportunities and creates an environment where businesses can thrive.
“What we need is a people-centred political economy that empowers citizens to create value, expands opportunity and makes it possible for ordinary Nigerians to live productive and dignified lives.
“The government must create an environment where businesses can thrive, people can work, and citizens can participate meaningfully in the economy,” he said.
Utomi warned that without a significant change in approach, Nigeria could face deeper socio-economic challenges.
“Without this fundamental shift, we risk sliding deeper into a socio-economic crisis. The question is not simply whether we have introduced reforms. The question is; who are these reforms working for?
“Nigeria must return to policies that put people, production and value creation at the centre of development,” he stated.
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