Former presidential candidate and renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s future, saying the country risks descending into a state worse than Somalia if sweeping reforms are not urgently implemented.Utomi, who spoke during a recent public engagement on governance and national development, lamented the current trajectory of the Nigerian state, describing it as deeply troubling and unsustainable. According to him, the nation’s political system is fundamentally broken — plagued by unchecked greed, institutional decay, pervasive insecurity, and a collapse in ethical and leadership values.“Unless we act swiftly and decisively to restructure the political system and reorient our national values, Nigeria is headed for a catastrophic breakdown. We are not just in economic crisis; we are in a moral and leadership crisis,” Utomi declared.He drew comparisons between Nigeria’s current state and that of Somalia, a country long plagued by civil war, lawlessness, and a failed central government. Utomi warned that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, could face a similar fate if those in positions of authority continue to prioritize personal gain over national interest.“Our leaders have normalized a culture of impunity, where greed supersedes service, and institutions are captured by self-interest. The consequence is a nation teetering on the edge of collapse. If Somalia could happen to Somalia, it could happen to Nigeria too—perhaps worse, given our size and diversity,” he said.Utomi emphasized that meaningful change must begin with rebuilding trust between the government and the people, reviving institutions, addressing the root causes of insecurity, and fostering a leadership culture rooted in ethics, competence, and accountability.He also called on citizens to become more politically conscious and actively engaged in democratic processes, stating that the responsibility of rescuing Nigeria should not be left solely to politicians.“Nigerians must rise to reclaim their country. We must demand better governance and reject leaders who have no vision or values. The time for passive observation is over. If we do nothing, we will all become victims of a failed state,” he added.Utomi’s warning comes amid increasing socio-political tensions, economic hardship, widespread insecurity, and rising discontent among citizens, especially the youth who feel alienated from governance and economic opportunities.As debates over constitutional reform and restructuring intensify, Utomi’s remarks may further ignite calls for a national dialogue on the future of Nigeria and what must be done to prevent it from sliding into total dysfunction.
