Nigeria’s post-colonial journey has been marked by a complex mix of political sovereignty and continued cultural subjugation. Since gaining independence in 1960, the nation has struggled to reclaim its indigenous identity, which was deeply eroded during decades of colonial rule. Our language, religion, and cultural values were systematically replaced by foreign alternatives. Today, many Nigerian families cannot communicate fluently in their native tongues without reverting to English. Indigenous religions are often stigmatized, and within official spaces, only Christianity and Islam are deemed acceptable modes of prayer. In many ways, we remain mentally and culturally captive.
Against this backdrop, a concerning trend has emerged: the increasing conversion of industrial spaces—warehouses and manufacturing facilities into mega-church complexes. This development warrants urgent scrutiny from both government and civil society. The rise of large religious establishments in spaces formerly dedicated to production and economic activity raises critical questions: What are the tangible societal benefits of this religious expansion? Are we, in fact, undermining our capacity for job creation by displacing industries in favor of churches?
Manufacturing facilities employ thousands, even millions, of Nigerians. Their closure contributes directly to the nation’s spiraling unemployment crisis. Ironically, the same unemployed masses then flock to churches in search of divine intervention for jobs that no longer exist. This cycle is unsustainable and damaging to our national economy and psyche.
It is imperative that the government institutes stricter regulations for the licensing of religious centers. Religious organizations should be subject to rigorous financial audits and made to pay appropriate taxes. In particular, lifestyle audits of General Overseers and founders should become routine practice, ensuring accountability and discouraging the exploitation of vulnerable followers.
By curbing excesses within the religious sector, we can gradually shift public focus back to enterprise, innovation, and hard work, values that built great nations. The National Orientation Agency must take a leading role in this endeavor by educating citizens that there is no shortcut to success. While prayer may offer spiritual solace, it must be complemented by tangible actions: planning, discipline, and perseverance.
Furthermore, the government must maintain a strict separation between religious activities and state affairs. Any involvement in or endorsement of religious organizations fosters an unhealthy dependence on spiritual figures who may not always act in the best interest of their followers.
For Nigeria to succeed, we must realign our national priorities. Economic growth must be anchored in productivity, not piety. Faith has its place, but it should not come at the cost of industrialization, innovation, and the collective prosperity of our people.
May Nigeria succeed.
By Engr. Bola Babarinde, Former Chairman, All Progressives Congress, South Africa Chapter, presently the General Secretary, Renewed Hope Global.
