The 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticised the state government’s handling of economic growth, arguing that its achievements have not translated into better living conditions for ordinary residents.
His statement comes in reaction to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s announcement that Lagos has attained a Gross Domestic Product of $259 billion based on Purchasing Power Parity, making it Africa’s second-largest city economy.Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Wednesday via X, lauded the milestone, emphasising that it reflects the “strength of our economy, the resilience of our people, and our city’s role as a hub for investment, trade, and opportunity.”He described Lagos as a leader in Africa’s economic transformation, highlighting sectors such as infrastructure, technology, tourism, and manufacturing as key drivers of sustainable growth.
However, Rhodes-Vivour, in a statement on Thursday via X, countered that the economic progress being celebrated has not benefited the working-class Lagosians, whom he said continue to struggle with high living costs and poor infrastructure.“Although a GDP of $259 billion is worth the applause, it is a clear demonstration of the tenacity, resilience, and enterprise of Lagosians, despite the glaring incompetence of government. We must confront the uncomfortable truth that these impressive figures have not translated into improved living conditions for working-class Lagosians,” Rhodes-Vivour said.
He pointed to pressing issues such as a severe housing shortage, skyrocketing rents, and poor road conditions as evidence that economic growth has not improved residents’ daily lives.
“Our roads remain plagued by potholes, and streetlights in most communities remain non-functional, contributing to security concerns. Public transportation remains insufficient for a city of our size, and our waste management systems require new thinking,” he stated.Rhodes-Vivour further argued that economic wealth remains concentrated among a small elite, while the majority of Lagosians face stagnant wages and rising costs of living.“As I have always argued, true economic progress must be measured not just by GDP or IGR figures but by tangible improvements in the quality of our lives,” he said.
He emphasised the need for leadership that prioritises inclusive growth, stating, “Until ordinary Lagosians can access decent housing, reliable infrastructure, and essential public services, our economic achievements will remain hollow statistics that fail to reflect our lived experiences.”Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu, in his statement, remained optimistic about Lagos’ economic prospects, declaring, “Lagos remains at the forefront of Africa’s economic transformation, and the best is yet to come.”
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