Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has urged Nigeria to adjust its work schedule so Muslims can freely observe Jumu’ah prayers on Fridays.
He argued that the current system, which keeps Sunday work-free for Christians while Friday remains a full working day, is unfair.
Speaking in a video posted on his verified Facebook page on Friday, Omokri explained that before colonial rule, Friday was widely regarded as a day of rest in Muslim communities.
He said Nigeria should revisit this practice to ensure fairness between the two major religions.
According to him, Muslims are left at a disadvantage when compared with Christians, who enjoy Sunday as a compulsory day off for worship:
Omokri proposes earlier start to the week to balance Friday prayers
Omokri suggested a compromise where offices could start work earlier from Monday to Thursday, allowing businesses and government offices to close by midday on Fridays.
He stressed that this arrangement would not harm Nigeria’s economy or reduce productivity.
He explained that hours lost on Friday could easily be recovered earlier in the week.
By doing so, he said, Muslims would be able to attend their Friday congregational prayers without stress, while national productivity would remain intact.
The former aide added that such a system would create a “more equitable balance of workday lives” for both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.:
‘It won’t affect GDP, only make Nigeria fairer’ — Omokri
Omokri further emphasized that his proposal is not about giving Muslims an advantage but about creating fairness.
He insisted that closing work at noon on Fridays would not affect the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“I don’t think it is fair for the Muslim Ummah for us to have Friday as a working day in Nigeria. Originally, before colonialism, it was not like that,” Omokri said.
He said that adopting this approach would allow Nigeria to respect the religious needs of both Christians and Muslims equally, ensuring peace and balance in the workplace.
