Renowned economist and business leader, Atedo Peterside, has exposed a troubling truth about Nigeria’s political leadership, revealing that many leaders knowingly reject sound economic advice to protect their personal interests.
Speaking at an event in a video shared by TV Platinum, Peterside recounted his experience during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He said that some senior government officials privately admitted that they could not follow his economic recommendations because doing so would prevent them from enriching themselves while in office.
“People in the Villa told me to my face, ‘If we listen to everything Atedo is saying, we came in here poor and will leave poor. He’s only saying these things because he already has money,’” Peterside revealed.
He described this mindset as one of Nigeria’s greatest obstacles to progress, noting that the real issue is not a lack of knowledge but what he termed “state capture.” According to him, this occurs when influential individuals or groups manipulate government decisions to serve their own financial and political gains, rather than the interests of ordinary Nigerians.
Peterside explained that such corruption-driven control distorts national policy-making and prevents genuine reform, keeping the country trapped in cycles of inefficiency and underdevelopment.
He further mentioned that former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, encountered similar resistance when he tried to offer President Muhammadu Buhari practical advice on improving the economy.
The economist’s remarks underscore a recurring theme in Nigeria’s governance, leaders often know what is right for the nation but deliberately choose self-enrichment over national development. Peterside’s revelations serve as a sobering reminder that Nigeria’s biggest challenge may not be ignorance or incompetence, but the unwillingness of those in power to prioritize public interest over personal gain..Read Original