Last week, Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, led a week-long national prayer initiative at the National Mosque in Abuja.
While Muslim congregants gathered at the mosque, Christian denominations were scheduled for similar sessions at the National Ecumenical Centre. The objective was to seek divine intervention in Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.
The Director-General of the National Prayer Forum (NPF), Segun Balogun Afolorunikan, expressed optimism, stating, “We believe that with God’s wisdom, our leaders and citizens will find the strength to confront our common adversities.”
However, Nigerians have expressed skepticism, arguing that the government needs to complement prayer with decisive action to address underlying issues. Many citizens, frustrated with rising fuel prices, food insecurity, and lack of job opportunities, voiced their concerns that prayer alone cannot resolve these crises.
Abdul Ishaku, a small business owner, commented, “We pray every day, but what’s next? Will the government bring down petrol prices, create safer conditions for farmers, and tackle electricity issues?”
Others questioned the sincerity behind the initiative. Ezekiel Atang argued, “Our leaders cannot ignore the people’s suffering, call for prayer, and expect God to act without them doing their part.”
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) echoed this sentiment, with its President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, suggesting that over-taxation and inadequate economic policies are the real culprits. “Prayers cannot fix these issues. We must focus on economic productivity,” he said.
Other prominent voices expressed similar concerns. Archbishop Raphael Opoko urged leaders to “match prayer with professional action,” while Professor Sebastiane Uremadu advocated for reinstating oil subsidies and cutting taxes to ease the economic burden on citizens.
For many, the call to prayer symbolizes a “misplaced priority.” Citizens, religious leaders, and civil society groups are increasingly urging the government to tackle insecurity, enhance productivity, and invest in infrastructure as immediate solutions to Nigeria’s challenges. The message is clear: Nigerians are calling for less reliance on prayer and more on tangible government action to create real change.
