Senegalese-American singer Akon has shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s economic potential, saying the country would have been far more prosperous if it had retained full control of its oil wealth since independence.
According to him, if Nigeria had kept 100% of its oil revenues since 1960, it would have been one of the greatest nations in the world.
He suggested that Lagos could have surpassed global financial hubs such as London and New York, becoming the world’s economic powerhouse.
In a post shared on Instagram, Akon wrote:
“What if Nigeria had kept 100% of its oil money since 1960 instead of letting Shell and Exxon take it? We’re talking about two trillion dollars that could have stayed in African hands. Lagos would be the world’s financial capital today, not London or New York. Nigerian universities would lead global innovation, producing the next generation of tech giants. Nollywood wouldn’t just compete with Hollywood, it would completely dominate global entertainment.”
He went on to imagine how the world might look if Africa had controlled its own resources from the start, writing:
“The ripple effects would be even more dramatic. London’s banking district would be empty as major firms relocate to Abuja. Nigerian passports would be more valuable than American ones. Europeans would be crossing the Mediterranean in search of work opportunities in Africa.”
Akon added that such a scenario would have completely transformed global dynamics, saying:
“The global power structure would flip entirely. Instead of brain drain, Nigeria would attract the world’s brightest minds. One decision in 1960 could have changed everything. Africa controlling its own resources would have reshaped the entire world order.”
He concluded his message with optimism:
“The possibilities are endless but it’s never too late.”