$259bn GDP: Rhodes-Vivour Slams Lagos Govt Over Poverty, Poor Infrastructure

Despite Lagos boasting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $259bn, the daily realities of many residents tell a different story, former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has said.

During the official launch of the Lagos Economic Development Update (LEDU) 2025 on Wednesday in Nigeria’s commercial hub, it was announced that Lagos State’s GDP had reached $259bn based on purchasing power parity (PPP).

This milestone positions Lagos as the second-largest city economy in Africa, behind only Cairo, the Egyptian capital.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the achievement as more than just a number, stating that it reflects the strength of the state’s economy, the resilience of its people, and Lagos’s role as a hub for investment, trade, and opportunity.

However, reacting on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour criticised the state government for failing to translate economic growth into improved living conditions for Lagosians.

He pointed to crumbling infrastructure, skyrocketing rents, and inadequate public services as evidence that many residents are not benefiting from the city’s economic success.

“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 said on X (formerly Twitter), emphasising how poor infrastructure affects millions of Lagosians.

Rhodes-Vivour also pointed out that the housing crisis continues to push working-class Lagosians to the brink, with exorbitant rents consuming a large portion of their income.

“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 the 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,” he noted

Despite the economic growth, Rhodes-Vivour believes the wealth remains concentrated in the hands of a privileged few, while the majority of Lagosians struggle.

“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 the 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 prioritises inclusive growth. One that ensures that our economic success leaves no one behind,” he asserted.

$259bn GDP: Rhodes-Vivour Slams Lagos Govt Over Poverty, Poor Infrastructure is first published on The Whistler Newspaper