Prominent political economist and former presidential aspirant, Prof. Pat Utomi, has expressed grave concerns over the high poverty levels in Nigeria, deeming them “shameful.”

Speaking at the launch of ‘The New Tribe’ during a Global Village Square Town Hall meeting at Four Points By Sheraton in Victoria Island, Lagos, Utomi lamented the fact that Nigeria has more poor people than India, despite the latter having a population seven times larger.

Utomi stated, “This country of great potential, as we celebrate 64 years of independence, is still crawling. It has become the place of domicile for the poorest people on the planet. The Brookings study a few years ago showed how, in absolute numbers, there are more poor people in Nigeria than in India. That should make anybody feel ashamed. How? Explain to me how the richest can become the poorest.”

He highlighted the deterioration of values in Nigeria, attributing it to the country’s ongoing issues.

He emphasised the need for citizens to engage with the problems facing Nigeria and work towards solutions.

“Fundamentally, progress is dependent on culture, on your values. And if you look at Nigeria, the one clear thing is the collapse of culture. The values have gone south. I mean, people don’t have a sense of shame anymore. Our political class is an embarrassment,” he remarked.

Utomi also pointed out the failing institutions in Nigeria, particularly in the justice sector, which he believes deter investors from coming to the country.

He noted, “The Nigerian judiciary is considered a joke around the world. Nobody takes it seriously. Investors don’t come to Nigeria because they say to you, ‘If I have a dispute with a partner in Nigeria, going to court is a waste of time. Complete waste of time.’ And so they go to a country where the returns can be less, but where at least they know some justice can be obtained from the courts.”

Regarding ‘The New Tribe’ initiative, Utomi explained that it aims to unite like-minded individuals with progressive ideas to foster development without relying solely on government action.

He emphasised the important role of the Nigerian diaspora in the country’s transformation, drawing parallels with the historical development of nations like Japan, India, and China, which benefited from their diasporas.

“The diaspora has a fundamental role to play in the transformation of our country,” he said, adding that the initiative seeks to foster a spirit of ‘Ubuntu’—the idea that “I am because we are.”

One of the initiatives under ‘The New Tribe’ focuses on leveraging the expertise of medical professionals in the diaspora to improve health services in Nigeria, particularly in first aid training and emergency care.

The event featured notable speakers, including Dr. Yinusa Tanko from the Obidient Movement, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Executive Director of Enough is Enough Yemi Adamolekun, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and Nana Kazaure.

The Founder and Executive Director of the Convention on Business Integrity in Nigeria, Soji Apanpa, emphasised the importance of public accountability, urging Nigerians across all tribes to uphold ethical standards.

He stated, “Values matter in tribes. There’s a central theme running through the conscience of anyone who is in this new tribe, which is that we do things right and we do the right things.”

The event culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on emergency services between ‘The New Tribe’ initiative and three state governments, with Nasarawa State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, signing alongside Utomi.