Nigeria crumbling under poverty, insecurity, elite failure- Utomi

The Big Tent, a Nigerian political coalition, has sounded the alarm on the country's dire situation, citing poverty, insecurity, institutional decay and elite failure as major concerns. Convener Prof. Pat Utomi described the situation as an "existential crisis requiring urgent civic action and responsible leadership".

*Key Issues:*

- *Poverty*: 75% of rural Nigerians live in chronic poverty, with hunger widespread and the rural economy in shambles. Over 30 million Nigerians face severe food insecurity during the June-August lean season.
- *Insecurity*: Poverty fuels terrorism and crime, necessitating decentralized policing where local governments and states manage their security.
- *Leadership Failure*: The political elite's priorities are misplaced, with excessive spending on convoys, jets and SUVs, while citizens suffer ¹ ².

*Proposed Solutions:*

- *Structural Reforms*: Overhaul land tenure laws, empower universities for extension services and support agro-processing clusters.
- *Private Sector-Led Growth*: Harness regional potential, such as cocoa in the South-West and lithium in the North-Central, with government acting as a smart enabler.
- *Agricultural Development*: Re-engage academic institutions in agriculture, similar to the US land grant universities' model ¹ ².

The coalition envisions Nigeria as a beacon for African progress, leading nations toward prosperity like the Asian Tigers, but emphasizes the need to confront harsh realities and prioritize citizens' welfare.