WEALTH, WELFARE, AND WORSHIP: EXAMINING ECONOMIC JUSTICE IN NIGERIA THROUGH ISLAMIC ETHICS

Abstract

Nigeria faces persistent economic challenges marked by widespread poverty, income inequality, unemployment, and limited social welfare provision. These structural issues coexist with a deeply religious society in which Islamic ethical principles emphasise trusteeship, justice, and social responsibility. This paper examines economic justice in Nigeria through the lens of Islamic ethics, highlighting the moral and institutional imperatives that guide wealth distribution, welfare provision, and social accountability. Drawing on theoretical insights from Islamic jurisprudence and ethics, as well as empirical data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the United Nations Development Programme, and the World Bank, the paper critically analyses the contributions and limitations of faith-based welfare mechanisms such as Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf. It argues that while religious institutions play a vital role in alleviating immediate deprivation, their impact is constrained by scale, administrative inefficiencies, and structural inequalities. The study demonstrates that sustainable economic justice requires the integration of Islamic ethical principles into state-led policies, social protection frameworks, and community-based initiatives, combining moral guidance with structural reform. By bridging normative ethical perspectives and practical policy interventions, the paper offers a comprehensive framework for addressing economic inequality and promoting human dignity in Nigeria. The findings underscore the potential of religion particularly Islam to contribute constructively to social and economic transformation when combined with accountable institutional mechanisms. It is on this premise that this paper recommends that policymaker’s partner with Islamic institutions to advance social and economic transformation while enforcing strong accountability and transparent governance mechanisms.