by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Professor Pat Utomi criticized the government’s intense focus on revenue generation, warning that it is harming Nigeria’s economy.
Utomi argued that much of the country’s resources are being funneled to the political elite instead of the productive sectors that could drive economic growth.
“Most resources are going to non-productive sectors, like the political class,” he said. “We need to redirect those resources to boost food production and strengthen the agricultural value chain.”
He further explained that the government’s aggressive revenue drive is pushing traders and importers out of business.
“Ask any trader today how much they can bring through the ports. The government’s desperate attempt to increase revenue has driven container costs to about N18 million each,” Utomi said.
He highlighted the impact on pharmaceutical importers, especially those dealing with essential medicines like anti-malarials, who operate on very thin profit margins.
“When taxed heavily at the ports, many can’t afford to bring in new shipments of life-saving drugs,” he added.
Utomi argued that this system primarily benefits politicians while worsening living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
“Government revenues may be rising, but these funds are squandered by politicians, leaving Nigerians with little hope for an improved life,” he said. “Measuring progress solely by revenue figures is a misunderstanding of economics.”
He also downplayed recent claims of economic recovery and slight naira stability, pointing out that inflation continues to erode people’s purchasing power.
“If you’ve only moved from hell to purgatory, have you really been saved?” he questioned, rejecting optimistic narratives about the economy’s health.
Utomi insisted that true progress is measured by job creation and the affordability of essential goods.
“Food is fundamental. When people can’t eat, anything can happen,” he warned.
He called for increased investment in agriculture, education, and healthcare as key steps toward securing Nigeria’s future.
In related news, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that Nigeria’s GDP grew by 3.13 percent in the first quarter of 2025, up from 2.27 percent in the same period last year.