INTRODUCTION
Nigeria, with its abundant natural resources and large young population, faces significant economic challenges that hinder its growth. High inflation, unemployment, and poverty point to deeper structural difficulties. Primarily, the country’s overdependence on oil exports makes it vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations. This dependence has led to the neglect of agriculture and manufacturing, both critical for long-term growth. Other issues impeding economic advancement include corruption, mismanagement of funds, lack of accountability, and ineffective policies, all of which manifest in poor infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these concerns, pushing the economy into a recession in 2020.
PRACTICAL STEPS TO NAVIGATE THE ECONOMIC SITUATION
Nigeria belongs to God, as stated in Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” Christians must recognize God’s authority over the economy and be prayerfully intentional in their actions to prevent further economic decline. There is still hope for Nigeria; it requires addressing these challenges directly through economic diversification, effective governance, anti-corruption measures, and human capital investment. Citizens and the government should demand transparency and accountability. While the government handles these aspects, Christians can take practical steps based on biblical principles:
- Financial Prudence: Christians should practice prudent financial management by living within their means, saving regularly, and making wise investments. The Bible emphasizes careful preparation and avoiding undue debt (Prov. 21:5; 22:7; Luke 14:28). This ensures personal financial security and better resource management. In Luke 16:10, Jesus stated, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
- Entrepreneurship: Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation within the Christian community can significantly impact job creation and economic prosperity. The Bible praises diligence and intelligent investing, as evidenced by the Proverbs 31 woman (Prov. 31:16-18) and the need to diversify investments (Eccles. 11:1-2). According to Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if you were working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
- Community Support: Christians should support local businesses and community projects that promote social development and economic empowerment. The early Christian community shared resources and helped one another (Acts 2:44-45), and believers are urged to bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). 1 John 3:17-18 encourages us to aid those in need through action and truth.
- Advocacy: Christians should push for measures that promote economic justice, transparency, and accountability. The Bible instructs us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Prov. 31:8-9), seek justice, and defend the afflicted (Isa. 1:17; Mic. 6:8). Proverbs 14:31 says, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
- Spiritual Discernment: Believers should seek God’s will in all aspects of their lives, including financial matters. This includes accepting God’s guidance and provision (Prov. 3:5-6), seeking wisdom in decision-making (Jas. 1:5), and relying on God’s promise to meet needs (Phil. 4:19). Matthew 6:33 states, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
CONCLUSION
Navigating Nigeria’s economic challenges requires collaboration from all sectors, with the Christian community playing an important role. Christians can help the economy recover and grow by embracing concepts such as financial prudence, entrepreneurship, community support, advocacy, and spiritual discernment. These biblically based steps encourage resilience while reflecting Christian stewardship, fairness, and compassion.
Despite increasing inflation, unemployment, and poverty, Christians should respond with purposeful engagement rather than despair, because God is with us and we are not alone in this struggle. Trusting in God’s sovereignty and seeking His guidance allows believers to handle economic issues with faith and wisdom, addressing urgent needs while laying the foundation for a just and prosperous Nigeria. Through collective action and unshakable faith, the Christian community can reshape Nigeria’s economic environment, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity, as Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
The Venerable Gershinen Paul Dajur, PhD
General Secretary, Church of Nigeria
