The 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos State, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, on Thursday reacted to the increased Gross Domestic Product of the state by saying that it had not reflected in the lives of its citizens.
He was responding to a tweet by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who had said: “Lagos is not just growing; we are leading. With a GDP of $259 billion based on purchasing power parity (PPP), we have cemented our place as Africa’s second-largest city economy. This milestone is more than a number; 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.
Economic indices like PPP are crucial. They highlight real economic strength, competitiveness, and the cost-of-living advantage. From infrastructure to technology, tourism to manufacturing, we are driving sustainable growth.
Lagos remains at the forefront of Africa’s economic transformation, and the best is yet to come.#GreaterLagosRising #ForAGreaterLagos #ThisIsLagos.”
However, Rhodes-Vivour stated that although it was laudable, the increase should reflect on the.l8ves of Lagosians.
His words: “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 (GDP PPP OR IGR) have not translated into improved living conditions for working-class Lagosians.
For starters, working-class Lagosians continue to face a severe housing shortage with skyrocketing rents consuming a disproportionate percentage of their income. Many families remain crammed into inadequate living spaces and many others are at the mercy of greedy landlords mostly because housing supply has been abysmal.
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.
Sadly, the wealth generated by our economic growth appears concentrated among a small elite, while the vast majority of Lagosians struggle with stagnant wages against 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 quality of our lives.
Therefore, 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.
Lagos deserves a leader that prioritizes inclusive growth. One that ensures that our economic success leaves no one behind.
#ourlagos
