Professor Stefan Dercon, a development economist at the University of Oxford, has warned that Nigeria cannot replicate China’s economic development model, urging the country to adopt pragmatic policies that reflect its own institutional realities.

Dercon made the remarks on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #32) in Abuja, where he highlighted the importance of leadership commitment, economic transformation and policies that promote sustainable growth.

According to him, Nigeria lacks the institutional structures that supported China’s development and must therefore identify an economic model suited to its own circumstances.

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“Nigeria does not have a Chinese state, and it can dream of it, but it doesn’t. But it also means it can’t do a China,” Dercon said.

He explained that China’s development was supported by a long history of meritocratic institutions, including a rigorous public examination system for civil servants that had existed for approximately 1,300 years.

The economist noted that many countries developed their state institutions through patronage and personal connections rather than merit-based systems, creating differences in their capacity to implement development policies.

Dercon, however, said Nigeria could still learn from successful economies by identifying approaches that fit its own circumstances rather than attempting to copy another country’s model.

He pointed to China’s shift away from an ideology-driven economy under former leader Mao Zedong towards a more pragmatic approach focused on economic growth and progress.

According to him, countries that achieve economic success share a commitment among their leadership to growth, regardless of the specific economic model they adopt.

“That’s actually what all countries that are successful, whatever the blueprint or the models they try to use, have in common. That’s an elite commitment to actually growth using a model that fits the context,” he said.

Dercon Calls for Economic Transformation

The Oxford economist urged Nigeria to demonstrate a serious commitment to transforming its economy, creating jobs and improving prosperity.

He argued that the country needed to move away from an economic system that benefits a limited group of people towards one that delivers broader opportunities and sustainable development.

“So what Nigeria needs is that. It needs a really serious commitment to begin to change this model,” Dercon said.

He added that the government must recognise its capabilities and limitations while identifying and correcting policies that undermine economic growth.

Dercon also emphasised the importance of learning from experience, testing policies and making necessary adjustments to achieve better results.

“But all these places, they learned, they tried, and they corrected, and then they made progress,” he said.

Indonesia Offers Lessons for Nigeria

Dercon also identified Indonesia as a country Nigeria could study for lessons on economic development, while acknowledging that the two countries have important differences.

He argued that economic growth should be treated as a national security priority because a stronger economy is essential to national development and stability.

“You need to grow the economy, you need to develop. That’s an issue of national security. I don’t think I have to explain that in Nigeria’s context either,” he said.

He advised Nigerian policymakers to maintain macroeconomic stability, remain consistent with sound economic policies and focus on practical measures capable of supporting long-term growth.

Dercon stressed that Nigeria’s priority should be to develop an economic strategy that reflects its institutional realities while promoting productivity, job creation and shared prosperity.

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded the immediate release of Rilwan Olawale over his reported arrest, while accusing President Bola Tinubu of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X account on Monday, where he condemned what he described as the continued intimidation and harassment of his supporters across the country.

The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over Olawale’s case, demanding transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding his arrest and respect for his fundamental rights.

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“Civility is not weakness. Enough of the harassment of my supporters. Release Rilwan Olawale now.” Obi wrote.

He also criticised Tinubu, arguing that the President, whom he described as a major beneficiary of Nigeria’s democratic system, should not support actions that could undermine democratic values.

“President Bola Tinubu has remained a huge beneficiary of our democracy and should not brazenly be destroying it by encouraging and facilitating violence,” he stated.

Obi maintained that his political campaign was peaceful and focused on offering Nigerians an alternative built on competence, accountability, justice and compassion.

According to him, his approach to politics is based on peaceful engagement and persuasion rather than violence and intimidation.

“We have chosen the path of peace, not violence; persuasion, not intimidation. However, nobody should mistake our civility for weakness, our restraint for fear, or our commitment to peace for an absence of resolve,” he said.

The former presidential candidate added that neither he nor his supporters would be intimidated into silence or abandon their pursuit of what he described as a New Nigeria.

Obi subsequently demanded transparency over Olawale’s reported arrest, his release and respect for his rights, while calling for an end to what he characterised as politically motivated harassment.

He stressed that every Nigerian should have the freedom to support a political candidate of their choice without intimidation or interference.

“No government or political party has the right to deny Nigerians the freedom to support a candidate of their choice,” Obi added.

Reaffirming his commitment to peaceful political engagement, Obi said he and his supporters would continue to defend their democratic rights through lawful means.

“We will remain peaceful but resolute. We will not resort to violence, but we will stand firmly and lawfully against every attempt to undermine our democratic rights,” he stated.

He concluded by reiterating his optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring that a better country remained possible.

“A New Nigeria is possible and will be OK,” Obi said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, a student hostel, and 104 staff housing units at the institution.

Shettima’s arrival was disclosed by Stanley Nkwocha, in a post on X on Friday.

The Vice President was received at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.

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Members of the National Assembly, the Borno State Executive Council, prominent political figures and other top government officials were also present to welcome him.

During the visit, Shettima is expected to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, alongside a student hostel and 104 staff housing units at the institution.

He will also commission Yerwa Central Primary and Junior Secondary School in Maiduguri, as well as the Kashim Shettima Academy, established by his foundation to support children from less privileged backgrounds.

The Vice President has repeatedly emphasised that poverty should not prevent Nigerian children from accessing higher education.

He has also highlighted government initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as avenues for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations.