In a powerful response to Nigeria's challenging economic climate, prominent religious leaders, academics, and business innovators have issued a clarion call for a fundamental shift. They demand the integration of spiritual integrity into the very foundation of the nation's commerce. This urgent appeal formed the core of the 2026 Muhammad Rosulullah International Conference (MRIC), held recently.
Bridging the Gap Between Faith and Commerce
The conference, themed ‘The Ummuh Connection: Enhancing the Intersection of Faith-Based Principles and Business Practices’, directly addressed a glaring contradiction. It focused on the wide gap between Nigeria's profound religiosity and its persistently poor ethical business indicators. The founder of Muhammad Rosulullah International, Sheikh Muktar Mohammed, set the tone by declaring that economic stability requires more than government policy. He insisted it demands a sincere return to ethical faith, which was the primary reason for organizing the event.
Alhaja Halimat Bolatito Fuja, the Ameerah General, reinforced this, stating that educating the Muslim community on business ethics is not optional but a critical necessity for collective progress. She emphasized that all commercial dealings must consistently reflect deep spiritual values.
From Private Belief to Public Moral Regulator
A key intellectual contribution came from Prof. Saheed Timehin of Lagos State University (LASU). He presented a compelling argument for religion to transition from a private sentiment to an active moral regulator within Nigeria's business ecosystem. "Given the country's deep religiosity, religion can function as a powerful form of social capital," Timehin told the assembly. He clarified that the goal is not to debate religious superiority but to harness religious ethics to influence the average Nigerian's business conduct. The professor urged a move beyond superficial displays of piety to the practical application of ethical frameworks to foster a healthier, more sensitive business environment.
The discussions pinpointed specific sectors where injecting religious integrity could repair trust deficits and unlock growth. These sectors included banking, insurance, energy, and real estate.
A Provocative Call for Data-Driven Enterprise and Systemic Reform
The discourse took a bold and provocative turn with an intervention from Lukman Adeyemo, founder and CEO of Viral Ad Media LLC and Humanity International. He challenged the audience to radically rethink the economic role of religious institutions and move beyond traditional reliance on short-term hustles. Adeyemo urged Muslims to embrace data-driven enterprise, stating, "The world is undergoing a fundamental shift. Opportunities are no longer generated by capital alone, but by knowledge."
He critically addressed the economic standing of Muslim nations and individuals, noting that perceived wealth often masks concentrated GDP in single entities like Saudi Aramco or Nigeria's Aliko Dangote. This, he argued, signals a need for broad systemic reform. "We must stop hiding under the guise of being Shariah compliant while ignoring the realities of a capitalist nation," Adeyemo remarked. He provocatively suggested that the mosque itself should be understood as an enterprise, urging the use of all available tools to uplift business beyond its walls.
This call for proactive faith-based action was powerfully echoed by SDG advocate, TEDx speaker, and youth ambassador Zahra Ajetunmobi. She reminded young people that the Prophet Muhammad was himself a successful merchant. "Business is an act of ibadah (worship)," Ajetunmobi declared. She added a motivational charge: "We are too young to be doing nothing with our lives. It is not just about prayer; we must put in the efforts. The bounty of Allah is something we must actively seek through hard work that betters the nation."
A Communique and Concrete Demands for Government
The conference culminated in a formal communique with actionable recommendations. The most significant proposal was the formal establishment of a Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs. This proposed ministry would not merely oversee worship but would act as a national organ to coordinate business activities, ensuring alignment with equity, transparency, and social responsibility.
The communique outlined several urgent steps for Federal and State governments:
- An immediate call for the enforcement of laws against quack estate agents and other predatory actors exploiting citizens for selfish profit.
- Inculcating religious values into business education, finance, and investment curricula at all levels.
- Encouraging and incentivizing businesses to prioritize social responsibility and human capital investment within their host communities.
The 2026 MRIC has positioned itself as a pivotal moment, challenging Nigeria to leverage its greatest intangible asset—faith—to rebuild trust and catalyze sustainable, ethical economic growth.
