On August 27, 2025, Professor Pat Utomi, Convener of the Big Tent Shadow Cabinet, issued a stark warning to the Federal Government of Nigeria, cautioning that the country risks exacerbating poverty and further reducing life expectancy unless resources are redirected from extravagant multibillion-dollar projects to critical sectors like healthcare and education. Speaking in an interview with journalists, Utomi criticized the government’s focus on high-profile infrastructure projects, such as the $11 billion Eko Atlantic City, the Calabar Coastal Highway, and the $4 billion Lagos-Abuja Super Highway, describing them as luxuries that serve a privileged few while neglecting the urgent needs of Nigeria’s 220 million citizens, 95 percent of whom live in poverty. Supported by Dr. Adefoladeye Adebayo, spokesperson for the Big Tent Shadow Cabinet, Utomi called for significant investments in primary healthcare, education reform, and an overhaul of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to address Nigeria’s pressing health and social challenges. This article explores Utomi’s critique, the state of Nigeria’s healthcare and education sectors, the implications of current spending priorities, and the path forward for sustainable development.
A Misplaced Priority: Extravagant Projects vs. Human Capital
Nigeria’s economic and social challenges have been well-documented, with the country grappling with high poverty rates, declining life expectancy, and inadequate public services. Professor Utomi’s warning highlights a critical disconnect between the government’s spending priorities and the needs of its citizens. Projects like the Eko Atlantic City, a luxury real estate development on reclaimed land in Lagos, the Calabar Coastal Highway, and the Lagos-Abuja Super Highway have been touted as transformative infrastructure initiatives. However, Utomi argues that these projects, costing billions of dollars, primarily benefit a small elite while failing to address the daily struggles of the majority.
“These projects may impress some, but they do not address the daily struggles of 220 million Nigerians, 95 percent of whom live in poverty,” Utomi said. Nigeria’s poverty rate, estimated at 95 percent by Utomi, aligns with World Bank data indicating that over 40 percent of Nigerians live below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day. This dire situation is compounded by Nigeria’s low life expectancy of 62.2 years, which is 11.5 years below the global average of 73.7 years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Maternal mortality, at 993 deaths per 100,000 live births, ranks among the highest globally, while under-five mortality stands at 117 per 1,000 children, reflecting severe deficiencies in healthcare access and quality.
Utomi’s critique is rooted in the belief that investments in human capital—particularly healthcare and education—are the foundation for sustainable economic and social progress. By prioritizing flashy infrastructure projects, the government risks deepening inequality and perpetuating a cycle of poverty that undermines Nigeria’s long-term development. Redirecting resources to critical sectors, Utomi argues, could significantly improve living standards, boost productivity, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global economy.
The Case for Healthcare Investment
One of Utomi’s central arguments is that significant investment in primary healthcare could transform Nigeria’s health outcomes, potentially raising life expectancy by up to 16 years within a decade. With adequate funding and policy reforms, Nigeria could achieve an average life expectancy of 78 years, aligning more closely with global standards. This ambitious target underscores the transformative potential of prioritizing healthcare over luxury projects.
Utomi listed eight pressing health challenges requiring immediate attention: neonatal disorders, malaria, respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, sickle cell disease, and road traffic accidents. These conditions account for a significant portion of Nigeria’s disease burden, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and low-income households. For example, malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with Nigeria accounting for 27 percent of global malaria cases and 32 percent of deaths, according to the WHO. Similarly, neonatal disorders and diarrhoeal diseases contribute to high under-five mortality rates, while hypertension and sickle cell disease pose growing challenges due to inadequate screening and treatment.
To address these issues, Utomi called for the revival and equipping of over 30,000 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across Nigeria within the next ten years. PHCs are the backbone of the country’s healthcare system, providing essential services such as vaccinations, maternal care, and disease prevention at the community level. However, many PHCs are dilapidated, understaffed, and lack basic equipment, limiting their ability to deliver quality care. By investing in infrastructure, staffing, and medical supplies, the government can strengthen the primary healthcare system, reduce mortality rates, and improve overall health outcomes.
Dr. Adefoladeye Adebayo’s Call for Systemic Reform
Dr. Adefoladeye Adebayo, spokesperson for the Big Tent Shadow Cabinet, reinforced Utomi’s concerns, describing the government’s focus on flashy projects as a “misplaced priority” in light of Nigeria’s deteriorating health sector. Adebayo highlighted the alarming rate of medical professionals leaving the country, a phenomenon known as “japa,” driven by poor working conditions, low salaries, and limited career opportunities. According to the Nigerian Medical Association, over 5,000 doctors left Nigeria between 2020 and 2024, contributing to a severe shortage of healthcare workers.
Adebayo called on the government to create conditions that encourage healthcare professionals to remain and serve locally. This includes improving salaries, providing modern equipment, and ensuring safe working environments. By addressing these issues, the government can retain talent and strengthen the healthcare system’s capacity to meet the needs of Nigerians.
Another critical area of reform highlighted by Adebayo is the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Launched in 2005, the NHIS aims to provide affordable healthcare to Nigerians, but its effectiveness has been hampered by limited coverage, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and provider malpractices. Adebayo criticized practices where patients are denied prescribed medications because they are not listed under the scheme, forcing them to bear out-of-pocket costs. “There must be urgent restructuring of health insurance to cover cancer care and other major illnesses. Providers must be prevented from placing profit above patient welfare,” she said.
Adebayo also advocated for a stronger nationwide emergency response system to ensure prompt medical attention during life-threatening situations. Nigeria’s current emergency response infrastructure is inadequate, with many communities lacking access to ambulances and trained paramedics. By investing in a robust system, the government can reduce mortality from road traffic accidents, heart attacks, and other emergencies, saving countless lives.
The Economic and Social Cost of Misallocated Resources
The government’s focus on multibillion-dollar projects like Eko Atlantic City and the Lagos-Abuja Super Highway has sparked debate about resource allocation in Nigeria. Eko Atlantic City, a $11 billion luxury development on reclaimed land in Lagos, aims to create a modern business district but has been criticized for catering primarily to wealthy investors and expatriates. Similarly, the Calabar Coastal Highway and Lagos-Abuja Super Highway, while potentially transformative for connectivity, require massive investments that could strain Nigeria’s fiscal resources, particularly in the context of rising debt and inflation.
Utomi’s critique highlights the opportunity cost of these projects. The $15 billion combined cost of Eko Atlantic City and the Lagos-Abuja Super Highway could fund the renovation of thousands of PHCs, expand access to education, and support economic empowerment programs for millions of Nigerians. By prioritizing projects that benefit a small elite, the government risks exacerbating inequality and neglecting the needs of the majority, who face daily struggles such as lack of access to clean water, healthcare, and quality education.
Nigeria’s socioeconomic indicators paint a grim picture. With a maternal mortality rate of 993 per 100,000 live births, Nigeria ranks among the highest globally, according to the WHO. The under-five mortality rate of 117 per 1,000 children reflects the challenges of inadequate healthcare and poor living conditions. Education is similarly underfunded, with only 7 percent of the 2025 federal budget allocated to the sector, far below the UNESCO-recommended 15–20 percent. These statistics underscore the urgency of redirecting resources to human capital development, as advocated by Utomi and Adebayo.
The Path to Sustainable Development
Utomi’s vision for Nigeria’s development centers on investing in healthcare and education as the foundation for economic and social progress. By reviving and equipping 30,000 PHCs, the government can address the root causes of high mortality rates, such as neonatal disorders and malaria, while improving access to preventive care. This would not only raise life expectancy but also enhance productivity by reducing the disease burden on the workforce.
Education reform is equally critical. Nigeria’s literacy rate of 62 percent lags behind regional peers like Ghana (80 percent) and South Africa (87 percent). By increasing funding for schools, training teachers, and modernizing curricula, the government can equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to compete in a global economy. Education also plays a critical role in reducing poverty, as it empowers individuals to access better job opportunities and contribute to economic growth.
The overhaul of the NHIS, as proposed by Adebayo, would expand access to affordable healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like cancer and hypertension. By ensuring that the scheme covers a broader range of treatments and prevents provider malpractices, the government can reduce financial barriers to healthcare and improve patient outcomes. A stronger emergency response system would further enhance the healthcare system’s effectiveness, ensuring that Nigerians receive timely care during crises.
Challenges and Opportunities
Implementing Utomi and Adebayo’s recommendations faces significant challenges, including fiscal constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and political resistance. Nigeria’s 2025 budget, estimated at N47 trillion, is strained by debt servicing, which consumes over 30 percent of revenue, leaving limited funds for social sectors. Redirecting resources from high-profile projects to healthcare and education will require political will and public support, particularly in the face of vested interests benefiting from these projects.
The brain drain in the healthcare sector poses another challenge. Retaining medical professionals requires not only better salaries but also systemic improvements, such as modern facilities and career development opportunities. The government must also address corruption and mismanagement in the NHIS, which have undermined public trust and limited its impact.
Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities for progress. Nigeria’s youthful population, with a median age of 18.6 years, represents a demographic dividend that can drive economic growth if adequately educated and healthy. Investments in healthcare and education can unlock this potential, creating a skilled and productive workforce. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers opportunities for Nigeria to expand its economic base, but this requires a healthy and educated population to compete effectively.
The Role of Advocacy and Collaboration
The Big Tent Shadow Cabinet’s advocacy, led by Utomi and Adebayo, highlights the importance of civil society in holding the government accountable. By raising awareness of Nigeria’s health and education challenges, the group is fostering public debate and pressuring policymakers to prioritize human capital development. Collaboration with stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders, is critical for implementing these reforms.
The government can also leverage partnerships with international organizations, such as the WHO and UNESCO, to access funding and technical expertise for healthcare and education programs. Public-private partnerships, as demonstrated by initiatives like the Osun Health Insurance Scheme, can expand access to services while reducing the burden on public finances.
Conclusion
Professor Pat Utomi’s warning on August 27, 2025, underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to redirect resources from extravagant projects to healthcare and education to address deepening poverty and declining life expectancy. Supported by Dr. Adefoladeye Adebayo, Utomi’s call for investment in primary healthcare centers, an overhaul of the NHIS, and a stronger emergency response system highlights the transformative potential of prioritizing human capital. Nigeria’s alarming health and social indicators, including a life expectancy of 62.2 years and high maternal and child mortality rates, demand immediate action.
By shifting focus from projects like Eko Atlantic City and the Lagos-Abuja Super Highway to critical sectors, the government can improve living standards, reduce inequality, and position Nigeria for sustainable growth. While challenges such as fiscal constraints and brain drain persist, the opportunities for progress are immense. Through advocacy, collaboration, and policy reform, Nigeria can build a healthier, more educated, and prosperous future for its 220 million citizens.
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