Ayo Oyoze Baje
Quote
“Other nations are not better than Nigeria, but they consistently make better political choices. That is the difference.”
-Dt. Alex Otti ( At the 2026 The Niche Lecture )
Aptly described as “brilliant, bold and thematically relevant” , by some of the excited attendees
was the 2026 The Niche Lecture titled: ‘Governing the Economy: Trade-offs, and National Priorities ‘ as well delivered by the game-changing governor of Abia state, Dr. Alex Otti.This year’s edition of the annual event as chaired by His Royal Majesty Muhammadu Sanysi 11, the Emir of Kano, came up on Thursday, April 23,2026 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos. With the eye-opening position of the Otti on the Economy igniting smiles, applause and standing ovation, it is necessary to highlight the key ingredients of the lecture that should serve as food-for-thought for our policy makers and those who implement them, all in the national interest.
As rightly identified, Otti insists that Nigeria’s long-winding economic challenges are traced more to the recurring ugly decimal of poor political choices, instead of arising from a lack of resources. What that means is that political choices made serve as the critical catalysts to drive Nigeria’s economy.forward rather than the abundance of natural resources. That, of course, is patently evident in the persisting, dismal Human Development Index ( HDI ) of the average Nigerian. That perhy, explains the piece of warning he gave ahead of the 2027 elections that the choices we make will have long-term consequences for national development. That is putting it point blank.
Furthermore, he argued and convincely so that nations that outperform Nigeria are not necessarily better endowed but have “consistently make better political decisions.” In his words, he stated that:
“Other nations are not better than Nigeria, but they consistently make better political choices.That is the difference.” as reflected in this introductory quote.
For millions of the long-suffering Nigerians eagerly expecting a magic wand of quick fixes, Otti cautioned that Nigeria’s structural economic problems cannot be resolved quickly. In fact, he
stressed that with decades of policy flip-flops and poor governance what is required is sustained, and deliberate correction instead of clamouring for quick fixes.
According to him: “There is no silver bullet for Nigeria’s economic challenges. Economics is about cold, hard facts, not vanities or wishful thinking.” He has therefore, warned against the twin evils of cynicism and excessive optimism, explaining that neither reflects the reality of Nigeria’s current economic situation.
On the way forward, he emphasized the fact that meaningful progress will largely depend on the strong tripod of difficult but necessary reforms, particularly in governance, economic planning, and political accountability. These factors, painful to note
have remained the missing links between the government’s economic policies and the vast, natural resources God has abundantly blessed us with.
In specific term,Otti also noted and rightly so, that Nigeria’s development trajectory is directly linked to political behaviour. His position is that economic outcomes are shaped by the quality of leadership choices made at the ballot. In this regard has cautioned Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections. Indeed, it will present Nigerians with a defining choice between what he terms as “prudence and rascality,” adding that decisions made at the polls will influence the country for years. That has remained a source of concern to millions of Nigerians in the long quest for good governance, propelled by pro-people policies.
As he noted: “If you have behaved badly for over 60 years, it will take time to correct it. But the world will not wait indefinitely for Nigeria to reach its full potential.” That again, is the bitter home truth.
To fashion the best way out of the hazy economic wood the Abia state governor urged greater civic engagement, through voter education with the warning that voter apathy undermines governance .it also contributes to unemployment, poverty, and institutional weakness. Yes, it does!
Good enough, he noted that democracy alone is not enough unless the citizens are actively engaged in decision making and taking decisive actions. They should be active in what goes on beyond the election day. “Political choices directly affect economic realities,” he said. “Indifference has a cost.”
Furthermore, he explained that investor confidence is of significance
as it is connected to political signals. He also stated that both domestic and foreign investors interpret elections as indicators of future economic direction. This is yet another aspect of serious concern as wrong choices could get the country into an economic quagmire; the solution to which would get more difficult than ever.
Otti has therefore, called for stronger institutions, policy consistency, and investment-driven reforms. These should be focused on productivity rather than short-term consumption.
The Chairman
highlighred the point that economic outcomes are driven by decisions, not emotions. He explained that public service should be viewed strictly as a responsibility rather than a means of personal enrichment, urging Nigerians to muster the courage to speak the truth to power. That is especially so when the political helmsmen are still alive, not when they are dead and gone.
The Chairman of the occasion also urged leaders and citizens alike to embrace accountability and discipline in governance,.He warned that economic stability depends strongly on integrity in public decision-making.
All said, it was an insightful, informative and eye-opening guide to push Nigeria’s economy forward
With inputs from
Comrade Joe Ajaero,
Dr.Jumoke Ogunleye
and Anogwi Anyanwu
as well as HRM Igwe Naemeka Alfred Achebe ( Agbogidi ),the Obi of Onitsha and HRM Muhammadu Sanusi11, CON, the Chairman of the occasion, one hopes and fervently so that our policy makers would give a listening ear to their brilliant submissions.
As Verghis, rightly stated in the Nigerian Development Update Report: “The challenge is clear: how to translate reform gains into better living standards for all.”
Big kudos goes to The Niche as ably led by Mr. Amaechi Ikechukwu for a great job done.
