Nigeria has more churches than factories, more mosques than research centers, and more loudspeakers calling people to prayer than alarms pushing them to purpose. Yet, despite this deep-rooted devotion, the country continues to lag in nearly every major development index. This contrast raises an uncomfortable but necessary question: Has religion in Nigeria become a source of growth, or a reason we’re stuck?
Each day starts with “Praise the Lord!” and ends with “Allahu Akbar,” but the hours in between often reflect hardship, inequality, and stagnation. Religion has become more of a performance than a principle. It is practiced with passion but often without purpose. Many now treat it like a spectacle or status symbol, not a guide for ethical living or social transformation.
Places of worship are built by underpaid laborers while we pray inside them for jobs. Peace is preached while tribal violence is funded. Sermons echo weekly, yet injustice goes unchallenged. The loudest places in Nigeria—churches and mosques—often stay quiet on issues that matter most.
In 2023, Pew Research ranked Nigeria among the top five most religious countries in the world. But in the same year, the United Nations ranked Nigeria 163rd out of 191 in its Human Development Index, behind conflict-ridden countries like Syria and Yemen. Nigeria also placed 145th out of 180 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. This paints a sobering picture: a deeply religious country struggling with corruption, poverty, and insecurity.
The numbers don’t lie. In some states, there are more churches than working healthcare centers. In Lagos, churches outnumber secondary schools. In the North, thousands of unregulated Islamiyya schools operate without a proper curriculum, leaving children open to manipulation and lifelong illiteracy.
The religious sector in Nigeria is valued at over $10 billion. It is unregulated and untaxed. Many mega-churches own private jets, luxury estates, and expensive universities—often too costly for their own church members. Still, worshippers give generously, even when they have little. Many leave services filled with hope but return to lives of economic strain.
Religion now influences elections more than manifestos. In 2015, a popular pastor endorsed Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo. In 2023, some imams warned that voting for a Christian was haram. These endorsements shape political outcomes based on religion or tribe rather than competence, which further divides the nation.
The problem isn’t belief in God. It’s the absence of thought. Religion has become passive—an excuse for inaction. People repeat phrases like “God will provide” while ignoring planning, strategy, or accountability. Bandits attack villages, yet people wait for miracles. Leaders fail, but voters choose them again, because they worship at the same altar.
Faith in Nigeria is now used to avoid tough questions. Criticize a religious leader, and you’re labeled a rebel. Suggest reform, and you’re seen as disrespectful. Spirituality is celebrated, but thinking is discouraged.
People say, “It is well.” But is it really?
Until faith becomes a force for critical thinking and action—not just rituals—progress will remain out of reach. Religion should lead to justice, education, innovation, and unity. Right now, it often serves as an escape from them.
