Akon Reveals How Nigeria Could Have Surpassed London And New York If It Kept All Stolen Oil Wealth [VIDEO]

 

Senegalese-American singer Akon has sparked conversation across social media after claiming Nigeria could have become a global powerhouse if it had retained all its oil revenues since independence. The renowned artist shared his thoughts on Instagram, suggesting that the nation’s financial and cultural influence could have eclipsed global cities such as London and New York.

Akon emphasized that from 1960 to the present, Nigeria allowed international oil corporations like Shell and Exxon to extract massive wealth from the country, a decision he believes limited the nation’s potential. According to the singer, if Nigeria had kept 100 percent of its oil proceeds, the country would have amassed trillions of dollars, placing it at the forefront of global economic and technological innovation.

He painted a vivid picture of what Lagos could have looked like, asserting that the city might now serve as the world’s financial capital. “Lagos would be the world’s financial capital today, not London or New York,” he wrote. Akon envisioned a future where Nigerian universities lead global innovation, producing world-class tech entrepreneurs, and where Nollywood would dominate the entertainment industry, surpassing Hollywood in both influence and revenue.

The musician further elaborated on the broader global implications of such an economic transformation. He suggested that major financial institutions might have relocated to Nigerian cities, leaving historic banking hubs like London relatively empty. Nigerian passports, according to Akon, could have been more valuable than American ones, attracting global talent rather than witnessing the persistent trend of brain drain from Africa.

Akon also highlighted the potential societal impact, noting that Europeans might have crossed the Mediterranean in search of employment opportunities in Africa, reversing conventional migration patterns. This scenario, he argues, would have redefined the global power structure, establishing Africa as a major player in world affairs.

Reflecting on the immense possibilities, the singer urged that the lessons of the past remain relevant. He emphasized that while history cannot be rewritten, there is still potential for change in the present and future. According to him, African countries controlling their own resources could reshape economic and cultural hierarchies on a global scale, ensuring the continent’s long-term influence.

The post has garnered widespread attention online, with thousands of users responding to Akon’s hypothetical scenario. Many commentators debated whether Nigeria’s current economic policies and governance structures could ever replicate the level of prosperity he described. Discussions ranged from the management of natural resources to the role of foreign investment in shaping national development.

Experts note that Nigeria has struggled with oil revenue mismanagement, corruption, and fluctuating global oil prices, which have limited the nation’s ability to fully capitalize on its natural resources. Akon’s commentary shines a spotlight on these challenges, framing them within a narrative of missed opportunities and potential global leadership.

The singer’s vision extends beyond economics, touching on culture, education, and international prestige. By imagining a Nigeria where innovation and entertainment thrive alongside financial dominance, Akon challenges conventional thinking about Africa’s place in the world. He frames resource control as a pivotal factor in national and continental development, arguing that strategic management of wealth could have radically transformed lives and global perceptions of Africa.

Akon concluded his Instagram post with a message of optimism, stating that despite past losses, the possibilities for Africa’s rise remain enormous. He urged for forward-looking strategies that could harness the continent’s resources, talent, and cultural influence, suggesting that the dream of a globally influential Lagos is not entirely out of reach.

His post serves as both a critique and a call to action, encouraging reflection on historical decisions and inspiring discussions about Africa’s economic sovereignty. While hypothetical, Akon’s scenario continues to resonate, prompting many to consider the tangible and intangible benefits of resource control and visionary national planning. 

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