Pat Utomi: I'd slash governing cost, prioritize production if president

Professor of political economy, Pat Utomi has declared that he would drastically reduce Nigeria's governing costs and use industry policy to stimulate production if he were president. Speaking on Channels Television's 'Sunday Politics' programme, Utomi said it 'does not make sense to run a government at the expense of the masses who are facing hardship.'

He promised to 'dramatically slice the cost of governing in Nigeria; it is way too high,' while emphasizing the need for industry policy to stimulate production. Utomi stated that current efforts to stimulate production are insufficient. On tax reforms, he clarified he wouldn't remove them but would ensure they don't become revenue for officials to spend. He advocated for constitutional reforms that limit government spending and stressed the need for a balanced budget.

Utomi's comments come amid ongoing debates about Nigeria's economic challenges and governance expenses. His proposals focus on fiscal responsibility and prioritizing production over consumption in government operations.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/19/governance-what-i-would-have-done-as-president-pat-utomi/