Nigeria’s Economy Has Been Dwindling; The Political Class Are Visionless and Corrupt –Ardo

Nigeria’s Economic Malaise and the Crisis of Political Vision: A Guest Reflection on Ardo’s Interview

In a compelling episode of Prime Time on Arise News titled “Nigeria’s Economy Has Been Dwindling; The Political Class Are Visionless and Corrupt”, Umar Ardo, Convener of the Northern League of Democrats, delivers a scathing critique of Nigeria’s political establishment.

His central opinion is stark: the Nigerian economy is in freefall, and the political class, entrusted with the nation’s future, is bereft of vision, mired in corruption, and incapable of steering the country toward meaningful development.

Ardo’s comments is not merely a lament; it is a clarion call. He argues that the unity of Nigeria is under threat, not because of external forces, but due to internal decay, manifested in insecurity, economic stagnation, and a pervasive lack of leadership. His indictment of the ruling elite is unflinching, painting a picture of a nation adrift, where governance has been replaced by self-serving politics and where the promise of democracy has been betrayed by those sworn to uphold it.

Let’s assume a Guest on the programme, respond to the missing perspectives raised in the video’s comment section with the following reflections:

“On the “structure of criminality,” I would assert that Nigeria’s governance architecture has, over time, seemingly normalized impunity. The possibly absence of accountability mechanisms and the politicization of law enforcement have created a system where criminal behavior is not only reportedly tolerated but often reportedly rewarded. Reform must begin with institutional independence and the strengthening of civic oversight.

“Regarding the “culture of wealth without enterprise,” I would argue that Nigeria’s economic model has long favored rent-seeking over productivity. The valorization of sudden wealth, often acquired through political patronage or dubious contracts, has eroded the ethos of hard work and innovation. A cultural shift is needed, one that celebrates enterprise, creativity, and value creation.

“On corruption, waste, and the high cost of governance, the answer lies in radical transparency and fiscal discipline. Nigeria’s bloated bureaucracy and seemingly opaque budgeting processes have perhaps, turned governance into a costly spectacle. Streamlining government operations, digitizing public services, and enforcing procurement laws could dramatically reduce waste.

“As for national unity and equity, I believe Nigeria must embrace a more inclusive federalism. True unity cannot be decreed; it must be built on fairness, representation, and shared prosperity. Equity demands that all regions feel seen, heard, and empowered, not just during elections but in everyday governance.

“On the question of functional seaports and zonal international airports, decentralization is key. The overconcentration of infrastructure in Lagos has stifled regional development and created logistical bottlenecks. Expanding port and airport capacity across zones would not only boost trade but also foster economic balance and resilience.

“Finally, the dominance of Lagos in international logistics must be reimagined. While Lagos remains vital, a diversified infrastructure strategy would unlock the potential of other regions, reduce congestion, and democratize access to global markets”

Arguably, and in summary, Ardo’s critique is a mirror held up to Nigeria’s political class, but the reflection it offers is one that all citizens must confront. The path forward demands courage, clarity, and a collective commitment to reimagining governance. If Nigeria is to rise from its current malaise, it must do so not through rhetoric, but through reform.

Beyond the Rhetoric: Missing Perspectives in Nigeria’s Economic Decline and Political Dysfunction

Umar Ardo’s interview on Arise News is a blistering exposé of Nigeria’s economic woes and the failures of its political class. His central claim, that the economy is dwindling due to a visionless and corrupt leadership, if true, is both urgent and resonant. Yet, for all its candor, the conversation leaves several critical perspectives unexplored. To deepen the national discourse, shouldn’t we interrogate the structural, cultural, and geopolitical dimensions that underpin Nigeria’s crisis?

Once again, let’s assume a Guest on the programme, responds to further missing perspectives in view of the topic under discussion:

“One missing perspective is the ideology behind the structure of criminality. If Nigeria’s governance system has evolved into a patronage network where political office is often a gateway to unchecked power and illicit enrichment, dismantling this structure requires constitutional reforms that decentralize power, strengthen judicial independence, and empower anti-corruption agencies with prosecutorial autonomy.

“Another overlooked angle is the culture of wealth without enterprise. If the glorification of sudden wealth, is often disconnected from innovation or productivity, and eroded the moral fabric of society, then we must recalibrate national values through education, media, and policy incentives that reward entrepreneurship, creativity, and long-term investment over short-term gain.

“The issue of corruption, waste, and the high cost of governance demands more than lamentation. Nigeria’s budgetary process is opaque, and its public sector is bloated. My response: implement zero-based budgeting, enforce public asset declarations, and digitize procurement systems to reduce leakages and improve efficiency.

“National unity and equity are often invoked but rarely dissected. The current federal structure breeds resentment and marginalization. My response: embrace true federalism with fiscal autonomy for states, equitable revenue sharing, and rotational leadership models that reflect Nigeria’s diversity.

“The conversation also omits the strategic importance of functional seaports and zonal international airports. Lagos’s dominance in logistics has created bottlenecks and regional imbalance. My response: develop deep-sea ports in Calabar, Warri, and Port Harcourt, and upgrade airports in Kano, Enugu, and Kaduna to international standards. This would decentralize trade, stimulate regional economies, and reduce pressure on Lagos.

“Finally, the decentralization of Lagos’s dominance in infrastructure is not just an economic imperative, it’s a political one. My response: create incentives for private sector investment in other regions, and legislate infrastructure equity to ensure balanced national development”.

In summary, while Ardo’s critique is valid, the missing perspectives reveal that Nigeria’s crisis is not just about bad leadership, it’s about broken systems, distorted values, and unbalanced development. Addressing these requires more than outrage; it demands a blueprint for structural transformation.