By [Kayode Oladipo]
When renowned Nigerian clerics say, “Life is spiritual, whether we believe it or not,” many dismiss it as pulpit talk. But in the context of Nigeria’s faltering economy, collapsing Naira, and endless policy shifts, that statement feels more like a warning than a sermon.
Behind the statistics of inflation, subsidy removal, and unemployment lies an economy shaped not only by fiscal policy but also by spiritual laws, values, and unseen forces that determine who controls wealth and who remains in poverty.
Economy Beyond Numbers
Nigeria’s economy is often reduced to figures: a Naira trading above ₦1,600 to the dollar, over 40% unemployment among youths, and food inflation above 30%. Yet, experts argue that the crisis is not just financial—it is cultural and spiritual.
“Economics is not just about money. It is about discipline, vision, and stewardship. These are spiritual principles,” says Dr. Ayo Teriba, an economist and CEO of Economic Associates. “Nigeria is resource-rich but principle-poor. That’s why we remain trapped.”
Biblically, Joseph became Egypt’s economic strategist not by schooling in finance but by spiritual insight (Genesis 41). Daniel’s wisdom in Babylon was also spiritual, not academic (Daniel 2). These stories suggest that nations collapse not for lack of resources but for lack of higher wisdom.
Why the Poor Argue
For the average Nigerian hustling between bus fares, food prices, and rent, conversations about unseen laws seem irrelevant.
“Tell a man who hasn’t eaten for two days that the economy is spiritual, and he’ll laugh in your face,” says Pastor Chuks Nwosu of Lagos. “But the truth is, his poverty is not only about money; it is about mindset and broken values.”
Poverty narrows vision. As the Bible notes, “The poor man’s wisdom is despised” (Ecclesiastes 9:16). That’s why many Nigerians resist the idea that their daily struggles are tied to spiritual laws of productivity, stewardship, and vision.
Those Who Understand
Only those at the top of Nigeria’s power and business pyramid truly understand that economics is also spiritual. Bankers, oil moguls, and politicians make decisions that affect millions.
The removal of fuel subsidy, for instance, was more than a fiscal policy. It was a spiritual and economic realignment. Billions shifted from state control into private hands. Those who were spiritually and strategically positioned benefited, while the masses protested in the streets.
“The poor argue, but the rich anticipate. The poor react, but the rich prepare,” says investment banker Tope Fashola. “That’s the hidden law behind every economy.”
Spiritual Laws at Play in Nigeria
1. Law of Stewardship: Corruption violates this law, draining billions yearly.
2. Law of Productivity: Nations that produce prosper. Nigeria imports fuel while exporting crude, a cycle that mocks this law.
3. Law of Vision: Without foresight, nations perish. Nigerian leaders often think in four-year election cycles rather than generational cycles.
The Awakening Nigeria Needs
Nigeria’s economic crisis is not just about numbers but about narratives. The collapse of the Naira is also the collapse of trust and values. Until Nigerians recognize that life is spiritual, policy reforms will remain shallow.
“Our problem is not oil or money. Our problem is vision and discipline,” says Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, former World Bank Vice President. “Without moral and spiritual renewal, no reform will last.”
Conclusion
Nigeria’s future will not be determined by IMF loans or oil prices alone. It will be shaped by leaders and citizens who understand that life is spiritual, and that economics obeys invisible laws as much as market charts.
As Joseph saved Egypt by foresight, so too will Nigeria rise when it embraces the unseen principles of prosperity. Until then, the poor will argue, while those who understand will continue to control the resources of the world.
