Senegalese-American music star Akon has shared his thoughts on what Nigeria could have become if it had managed its oil wealth better.

In a post on his Instagram page, Akon said Nigeria would have been one of the richest and most powerful countries in the world if it had kept full control of its oil proceeds since independence in 1960.

He imagined a scenario where Lagos could have become the world’s financial capital, even surpassing cities like London and New York.

“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,” Akon wrote.

He added that with that kind of wealth, Nigerian universities would lead in global innovation, Nollywood would dominate the entertainment world, and even Europeans would move to Africa in search of opportunities.

Akon further explained that such control over natural resources would have completely changed the global power structure, turning Nigeria into a magnet for the world’s brightest minds.

“The possibilities are endless,” he concluded, “but it’s never too late.”

The singer’s post has since sparked conversations online about Africa’s economic history, resource management, and the potential that could still be unlocked through self-reliance and reform.