RELIGION AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN NIGERIA: A PROGNOSIS OF MODERN ECONOMICS OF RELIGION

Abstract

The issue of economic recovery of Nigeria has put scholars of divergent human endeavours to task since the country gained independence. While this is so, recent economic indices that placed Nigeria as the poverty capital and one of the most corrupt countries of the world have intensified the quest for possible solution. Therefore, this study examines the nexus between religion and economic recovery in Nigeria. Data for the study were gathered through literature review and discussion was done using the discursive and analytical approach. The entire discussion is pitched against the backdrop of the religious economics theory of Max Weber. The study argues that religion can play a significant role in the economy of any nation especially Nigeria. The study reveals certain religious values such as godliness and contentment, trust, selfless service, respect for human dignity, and ethics of good works, found in the Christian Bible that if adequately applied could facilitate economic recovery in Nigeria and position the country on the part of sustainable development. In this light, the study recommends religious education for leaders with respect to these values as a way to pragmatically addressing the economic situation in Nigeria.