THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGION ON POLICY AND DECISION MAKING PROCESS IN THE CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA SOCIETY

Abstract

Nigeria is one of the secular states in the world, as such decisions and policies made in her should be void of religious influences and undertones. In recent time, there has been myriad of questions and queries on whether Nigeria still operates a secular system or has there been a switch into theocratic state. This is owing to the fact that supposed distinctions between the two practices have been intertwine, hence erasing the witnessed demarcation between them. It will not be out of place to assert that most of the policies and decisions in the present day Nigeria have always been influenced by either the Christian or Islamic religions which are seen as the major faiths in the present day religious landscape. This observation leaves scholars with many questions begging for answer, of which this work is going to address. This study will be approached sociologically and will follow the theoretical framework of crossing and dwelling. The paper finds that religions has oftentimes influenced the decision making process of the nation which has its attendant implications on the society. The paper therefore concludes that policies and decision making in Nigeria should not be devoid of religion and religious backing and must always take into cognizance the interest of other religious traditions. The paper therefore recommends that for the contemporary society to move forward and reach its expected goal there should be a clear distinction between the secular and the sacred and matter of secular should be handled without giving room for any religious influence of any such.