Akon Says Nigeria Would Have Surpassed London and New York If It Had Saved Its Oil Wealth

Akon has said Nigeria could have become a global powerhouse if it had controlled its oil wealth since independence.

He argued that full ownership of its resources would have transformed Africa’s economy.

Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Akon has said Nigeria could have been one of the world’s greatest nations if it had retained full control of its oil revenue since independence.

Akon, known globally for hit songs such as Lonely and Smack That, has in recent years focused on promoting African development through projects like Akon Lighting Africa, which provides solar power to rural communities across the continent. His deep interest in Africa’s progress often reflects in his public statements about governance, wealth, and resource control.

In a post shared on Instagram, the singer argued that if Nigeria had kept 100% of its oil wealth since 1960 instead of allowing foreign companies like Shell and Exxon to control it, the country’s economy would have transformed Africa and shifted global influence.

Sharing his thoughts on how things could have been different, 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,” he said.

He added that such wealth would have made Nigeria a global economic leader. “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 dominate global entertainment.”

Akon further noted that if Africa had managed its natural resources better, the global balance of power would have shifted significantly.

“The global power structure would flip entirely,” he continued. “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. The possibilities are endless, but it’s never too late.”