𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐨 𝐎𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐫𝐢

Former presidential aide and social commentator, Reno Omokri, has stirred fresh debate on Nigeria’s work schedule, urging the Federal Government to reconsider making Friday a full working day. Omokri argued that the current structure is “unfair to Muslims,” who are required to attend Jumu’ah prayers in the afternoon, often during official working hours.

In a post shared on his verified social media handle, Omokri noted that while Sunday is officially recognized as a non-working day in respect of Christians, Muslims are not accorded similar consideration despite the religious significance of Friday. According to him, this imbalance creates unnecessary difficulties for Muslim faithful across the country, many of whom struggle to combine work duties with their religious obligations.

Omokri pointed out that in several Muslim-majority countries, Fridays are either declared public holidays or adjusted as half-working days to enable workers observe prayers without stress. He suggested that Nigeria, being a multi-religious nation, should adopt a more inclusive system that caters to the spiritual needs of all its citizens.

“Christians are allowed Sundays for worship, but Muslims are expected to combine work and Jumu’ah prayers on Fridays. This is clearly unfair,” Omokri stated. He further called on policymakers to “review the national work calendar in the spirit of fairness, unity, and religious tolerance.”

His comments have sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some supporting the idea as a step toward religious equity, while others argue that adjusting the work week may negatively impact productivity in the country’s already fragile economy.

The debate now raises a larger question about whether Nigeria should adopt a more flexible work structure that respects its religious diversity, or maintain the status quo in the interest of economic output.