Religions and Development in Nigeria: A preliminary Literature Review

Abstract

This preliminary literature review identifies and summarizes analyses of the relationships between religions and development in Nigeria, with an emphasis on those published locally. It is intended as an initial resource upon which a series of individual research projects would build through futher literature review and empirical research. The review concludes that relatively few of the sources identified are directly concerned with the relationships between religion and development. Most discuss the tenets and teachings of the main faith traditions (particularly Islam and Christianity), focusing on the integrating function of religion. This emphasis is counterbalanced to some extent by the studies of religion in Nigeria's political economy, which foreground its contribution to conflict and the obstacles it can pose to achievement of development objectives