On a typical weekday morning in some cities in Nigeria, prayer places fill up as early as 8am
While many offices have yet to register full attendance, worship centers are already resonating with songs of “success”, “open doors” and “divine intervention”.
In a country grappling with economic stress, rising costs of living and limited opportunities, many Nigerians are turning to houses of prayer in search of solutions, often during official working hours, that the economy appears unwilling to provide.
But the bigger question is not whether Nigerians should pray; It follows that the growing culture of finding miracles in workdays at the expense of productive working hours is quietly destroying productivity in a country already struggling for growth.
Nigeria's labor market and economy tell a nuanced story.
Recent labor data shows that, under international labor force reporting standards, Nigeria's unemployment rate is around 5.0 percent to 5.4 percent in 2023-2024.
At first glance, this may seem moderate by global standards, but the reality beneath the percentage is stark.
Available data also indicate that more than 84 million Nigerians were engaged in some form of employment in 2023, but 77.6 million (about 92.2 percent) were in informal work rather than stable, formal jobs.
For example, underemployment, meaning people working less than they want or earning less than a living wage, remains around 11 percent to 12 percent.
The labor force participation rate remains at a high level of about 80.4 percent, which shows that many Nigerians are available to work but are not necessarily economically well off.
Analysts say about 30 percent of Nigerians still live on less than $2.15 a day, underscoring persistent income challenges.
These figures help explain why many Nigerians; Whether they are unemployed, underemployed, or stuck in unstable jobs, they feel compelled to find hope wherever they can.
For some people, attendance at prayer houses during working hours is a matter of survival.
Mrs. Bolanle Oladosu, a researcher in Ibadan, said financial stress and fear of stagnation had driven her to prayer meetings in the past.
“When existence becomes blocked, prayer begins to seem like a shortcut, not a distraction; I wasn't lazy; I was desperate.”
He remembered the moment when he thought about how much time he had sacrificed. He said, “Time is capital. I spent my time chasing signals instead of developing professional skills.”
Mr Victor Adedokun, a civil servant at a major hospital in Ibadan, said he used to attend prayer houses regularly when he was unemployed.
He shared one such experience.
He said, “Economic pressure and fear of stagnation pushed me there; the prayer house felt like a shortcut, hope sold out quickly.”
He said he eventually returned to prioritizing work.
Also, Mrs. Yetunde Alabi, a civil servant at the Oyo State Secretariat, said she initially attended prayer meetings during working hours due to financial hardship and the need for spiritual support.
However, when it started affecting his time and concentration at work, he started reconsidering it.
She eventually reduced her attendance to balance faith and professional responsibility.
Alabi said, “Although the experience was spiritually uplifting, it required better time management.”
On her part, Ms Taiwo Ayoola, a confectionary expert, said she did not attend prayer houses, but believed that those who did so during working hours were often driven by desperation.
According to him, many people begin to question their involvement when expected changes do not materialize quickly.
While some people stop participating due to disappointment, others continue in the hope that their situation will eventually improve.
Others remain firm in their convictions.
Mrs. Josephine Afolabi, a fashion designer in Abuja, said prayer sustained her emotionally and spiritually.
“I worship God with love. Sometimes it's more important than the schedule,” she said.
Also, Ms. Kemi Elufowoju, an entrepreneur in Ibadan, said nothing compares to knowing God and being deeply committed.
She said, “I have never questioned the impact He has had on my life because I have learned to serve God devotedly, not because of miracles, such as what I might receive from Him, but because of devotion, whether He answers my requests or not.”
Mrs. Oluremilekun Ogunsola, a civil servant, said working hours should remain sacred.
“Economic time should be used judiciously,” he advised.
Jesutofunmi Robinson, an employee of a research institute in Ibadan, said spiritual life should not outweigh one's duty to one's employer.
Alabi advised Nigerians to keep their faith while remaining committed to work and personal development.
Mr Wale Dada, a Lagos-based chess professional, said he could not afford to step out during office hours.
“There is no time to leave for prayer during work,” he said.
Mr Adaki Hillary of the Lagos State Sports Ministry said prayer can provide spiritual strength, but it should not take the place of hard work.
“God said he will bless the work of our hands. What blessing do you expect from God when you don't work?” he asked.
Religious leaders believe that faith and works are not mutually exclusive.
Pastor of New Realms Church in Lagos, Pastor Kayode Opemuyi, said the prayer timings were flexible.
“If working members cannot be physically present during working hours then they can attend services online,” he said.
Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Usman Ibrahim stressed on accountability.
He said, “Each worker has been entrusted with amanah (trust) and will give account of it. People have been ordered to work for their livelihood. They can pray during breaks.”
Experts warn that the issue extends beyond individual choices to national productivity.
Communication scholar Dr. Modupe Yusuf argues that attending religious ceremonies during work hours presents ethical questions in the workplace.
He said, “Workers have an obligation to perform duties during working hours; religious activities should not take the place of professional responsibility.”
Business organizational expert Mr Yemi Osanyin pointed to significant man-hours lost weekly, especially in the informal sectors where time flexibility was high but earnings were uncertain.
“Individuals' income is reduced and the economy is affected; poverty becomes worse when productive hours are surrendered,” he said.
Professor of Religion at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Jacob Ayantayo sees this trend as a symptom of deeper systemic challenges.
“When systems break down and poverty hits, people turn to miracles.
“But without productivity, innovation suffers, and without innovation, national growth declines,” he said.
According to reports, Nigeria's religious “industry” even dwarfs some economic sectors.
The investigation estimates that when real estate, media, banks and social services owned by religious groups are included, the value of religious institutions could exceed ₦500 trillion (hundreds of billions of dollars), although this figure reflects wealth and economic activity rather than direct income or public productivity.
While this shows how deeply faith is embedded in Nigerian society, it also highlights how religion shapes economic functions beyond local prayer grounds.
For many Nigerians, houses of prayer provide more than spiritual solace; They provide community in times of difficulty.
In some places, congregations have become informal support centres, providing food, counseling and shelter when the state safety net fails.
When traditional systems falter, religion often intervenes; Economically, socially and psychologically.
In this context, houses of prayer are not just places of worship, but centers of social assurance and survival.
The respondent, Mr Olayinka Solomon, confirmed the enormous support he received from a religious house during the crisis.
“I know many people like me who benefit from the support provided by religious houses, be it financial, social and psychological.
“So, it's not just about going there to pray,” Solomon said.
The debate about prayer and productivity will continue in a deeply religious nation. But many respondents agree on one principle: balance matters.
“Pray but don’t put your life on hold,” Oladosu advised.
In a country desperate for economic revival, perhaps Nigerians seek real miracles not only in houses of prayer, but also in strong discipline, flexible institutions and collective commitment to productive work.
Overall, stakeholders believe that trust inspires hope, but it is productivity that sustains a nation.
Ibukun Emiola writes from the News Agency of Nigeria
