Pat Utomi Critiques Tinubu Over Nigeria's Economic Crisis

Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned political economist and former presidential candidate, criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration for its economic policies, labeling the current situation as a "moral outrage." In a video address shared on his X handle on October 16, 2026, Utomi compared Nigeria's economic indicators with those of other oil-producing countries. He pointed out that a litre of fuel in Libya costs ₦32, while the minimum wage there is $208, approximately ₦276,000.

In Saudi Arabia, fuel costs about ₦823 per litre, with a monthly minimum wage of ₦1.4 million. In contrast, Nigeria's minimum wage is ₦70,000, while fuel prices range from ₦1,300 to ₦1,900.

Utomi emphasized that this minimum wage equates to only $52, making it difficult for Nigerians to meet their basic needs. He questioned the President's awareness of the struggles faced by millions in a resource-rich country and lamented the plight of Nigerian university professors whose salaries are insufficient to cope with rising living costs.