Nigeria’s Economic Challenges and the Hope of Restoration: A Socio-Theological Reading of Psalm 126:1–6
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15-35
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Feb 7, 2026
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10.58578/kijahrs.v3i1.9081
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David Oluwabukunmi Ogunbiyi1 
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Abstract
Nigeria is a multicultural nation endowed with abundant human and natural resources, yet it currently faces profound economic crises marked by high inflation, unemployment, underemployment, widespread poverty, and social instability, particularly banditry and insurgency. This study examines a socio-theological interpretation of Psalm 126:1–6 in the context of these economic challenges and evaluates how the biblical theme of restoration can inspire hope and positive action among Nigerian citizens. Drawing on classical and Keynesian economic theories alongside biblical exegesis of Psalm 126, the study employs a mixed-methods approach using data from 620 Nigerian Christians to analyze the spiritual, emotional, and socio-economic impacts of the crisis. The findings show that the majority of respondents perceive a direct link between Christian faith and socio-economic resilience, viewing Psalm 126 as a source of national encouragement and as a framework for prayer that integrates divine intervention, human responsibility, and aspirations for national development. The study concludes that churches can play a crucial role in national restoration through spiritual support, socio-ethical advocacy, and community development, and recommends stronger governance, church-led social initiatives, and the integration of moral and theological values into policy-making as key pathways toward socio-economic recovery and holistic restoration in Nigeria.
Article Details
How to Cite
Ogunbiyi, D. O. (2026). Nigeria’s Economic Challenges and the Hope of Restoration: A Socio-Theological Reading of Psalm 126:1–6. Kwaghe International Journal of Arts, Humanities and Religious Studies, 3(1), 15-35. https://doi.org/10.58578/kijahrs.v3i1.9081
References
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Chigozie, C. F., & Akpan, O. J. (2024). Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Muhammadu Buhari’s civilian administration, 2015–2022. African Journal of Law, Political Research and Administration, 7(1), 53–65.
Duntoye, S. J. (2020, October 8). With lived poverty on the rise, Nigerians rate government performance as poor (Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 395). Afrobarometer. https://www.africaportal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ad395-lived_poverty_on_the_rise_in_nigeria.pdf
Eboiyehi, F. A., & Muoghalu, C. O. (2018). Economic recession, challenges and coping strategies among the rural aged in selected communities in Ile-Ife of South-Western Nigeria. International Journal on Ageing in Developing Countries, 3(2), 132–154.
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Johnson, O. (2025, August 19). The glorious restoration (Psalm 126:4–6) [Unpublished presidential address]. 19th Annual Women’s Conference, Diocese of Lagos Mainland (Anglican Communion).
Kidner, D. (2014). Psalms 73–150: An introduction and commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries). IVP Academic.
Lawal, A. M., Essien, B. E., & Gade, H. U. (2024). Dependency theory and multinational corporations in Nigeria. Journal of Public Administration, Policy and Governance Research, 2(4), 120–128.
Mbaegbu, R. (2025). AD998: Facing lack of economic opportunity, Nigerian youth want government action on jobs and cost of living. Afrobarometer. https://www.afrobarometer.org/publication/ad998-facing-lack-of-economic-opportunity-nigerian-youth-want-government-action-on-jobs-and-cost-of-living/
Mumuni, N. A., & Abdulyakeen, A. R. H. (2025). Theories of underdevelopment and the paradox of development: A review of modernisation and dependency theory. Journal of Social Theory and Research, 3, 1–18.
Musibau, K. B., & Bamidele, A. R. H. (2024). Minimum wage increases and civil servants' welfare in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: An examination of Lagos and Osun States civil service. International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management, 6(11), 253–267.
Ogunbiyi, D. O. (2024). Socio-religious issues in alcoholic consumption among Christians in selected Orthodox churches in Surulere Lagos Government, Lagos State. RERUM: Journal of Biblical Practice, 4(1), 38–66. https://doi.org/10.55076/rerum.v4i1.518
Ogunbiyi, D. O. (2025). Socio-exegetical interpretation of 1 Kings 17:13b within the context of Nigerian economic vulnerability and clerical authority. Kwaghe International Journal of Arts, Humanities and Religious Studies, 2(2), 61–84. https://doi.org/10.58578/KIJAHRS.v2i2.6354
Ogunbiyi, D. O. (2025). The sociological effects of cashless policy on church income in Surulere archdeaconry, Diocese of Lagos Mainland (Anglican Communion). MAHABBAH: Journal Religion and Education, 6(2), 100–119. https://e-journal.mahabbah.org/index.php/mjre/article/view/118
Ogunbiyi, D. O., & Adedibu, B. A. (2025). “Strangers and aliens on Earth” (Hebrews 11:13b): A socio-exegetical inquiry into Christians’ rite of passage. Kwaghe International Journal of Arts, Humanities and Religious Studies, 2(3), 130–152. https://doi.org/10.58578/kijahrs.v2i3.7344
Ogunbiyi, D. O., & Adedibu, B. A. (2025). Redefining contemporary African Pentecostalism: Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in sociological retrospect. African Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 5(1), 32–53. https://doi.org/10.62154/ajrts.2025.05.013
Ogunbiyi, D. O., & Olajugbagbe, O. M. (2025). AI and colour symbolism in Nigerian religions: A religio-ethical study. African Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 5(1), 105–124. https://doi.org/10.62154/ajrts.2024.05.01017
Ogunbiyi, D. O., Adeyemo, A. A., & Olajugbagbe, O. M. (2025). Ethical concerns of depression among youths: A socio-religious implication in contemporary Nigeria. African Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 3(1), 65–84. https://doi.org/10.62154/ajrts.2025.03.010687
Ogunbiyi, D. O., Oyebanji, I. T., & Olajugbagbe, O. M. (2025). The sociological impact of youth restiveness on Christianity in Mushin, Lagos State. African Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 3(1), 15–34. https://doi.org/10.62154/ajrts.2025.03.010618
Ogunode, A., Olumide, F., & Ishola, K. (2024). Economic hardship and the Nigerian church: Implications for ministry and social engagement. African Journal of Management and Policy, 3(1), 45–60. https://semantjournals.org/index.php/AJMP/article/view/520 [Access restricted]
Olumoyo, A. E., & Abiri, O. C. (2023). “Japa” syndrome: Causes, effects and solutions for sustainable national development. International Journal of Development and Economic Sustainability, 11(5), 87–95. https://doi.org/10.37745/ijdes.13/vol11n58795
Oye-Oluwafemi, F. A. (2024). Need based evangelism as a tool for economic empowerment and poverty alleviation in Nigerian Pentecostal churches. British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies, 5(5), 24–43. https://doi.org/10.37745/bjmas.2022.04178
Popoola, J. (2020). Globalization and Nigeria’s economic development—A study of the interconnectedness. Open Journal of Political Science, 10, 460–480. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojps.2020.103028
Rigdon, P. (2023, December 13). Digging deeper into Scripture: Psalm 126. Concordia Publishing House. https://www.cph.org/digging-deeper-into-scripture-psalm-126
Stromsta, R. (2024). Climate change, disasters, insecurity, and displacement: The impact of flooding on youth marginalization and human mobility in Nigeria. International Organization for Migration. https://environmentalmigration.iom.int/blogs/climate-change-disasters-insecurity-and-displacement-impact-flooding-youth-marginalization-and-human-mobility-nigeria
Ugwa, C. S., & Leo the Great, E. (2025). Civil servants and the crises of minimum wage: Gendered analysis of socio-economic challenges on female civil servants in Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Research in Social Sciences and Strategic Management Techniques, 11(1), 382–395. https://internationalpolicybrief.org/images/2025/08/AUGUST/article9/ARTICLE-21.pdf
Ukozor, C. U., Nongoamo, M. B., & Deborah, J. (2024). Impact of economic hardship on the churches in Nigeria. American Journal of Management Practice, 1(7), 39–45. https://semantjournals.org/index.php/AJMP/article/view/520 [Access restricted]
World Bank. (n.d.). The World Bank in Nigeria. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nigeria/overview
Yakubu, Y. A. (2018). Effect of political transformation on economic growth in Nigeria. Dutse Journal of Economics and Development Studies, 6(2), 29–37.
African Development Bank Group. (2024). Nigerian economic outlook. https://www.afdb.org/en/countries-west-africa-nigeria/nigeria-economic-outlook
Agboje, V. (2025). Nigeria’s economic woes: Barriers to women & kids. International Association of Women Judges. https://www.iawj.org/content.aspx?page_id=2507&club_id=882224&item_id=5665&pst=26838
Akinola, G. W., & Ohonba, A. (2024). Food security, government spending, and economic growth in Nigeria. African Journal of Development Studies, 14(1).
Babalola, F. I., Mhlongo, Z., Obinyeluaku, M. I., Oladayo, G. O., & Daraojimba, C. (2023). Microfinance and economic empowerment in Nigeria: A critical review of impact and sustainability. Finance & Accounting Research Journal, 5(12), 45–63. https://doi.org/10.51594/farj.v5i12.640
Bello, M. A., Olarinde, M. O., & Oyetade, B. (2024). Inflation, corruption, and unemployment in Nigeria: An econometric analysis of long-run interactions. Umaru Musa Yar’adua University Journal of Economics and Development, 5(1), 22–36. https://ujed.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/ujed/article/view/22
Bowden, B. (2018). Economic foundations: Adam Smith and the classical school of economics. In The Palgrave handbook of management history (pp. 1–22). Palgrave Macmillan.
Brueggemann, W. (2014). The message of the Psalms: A theological commentary. Fortress Press.
Brueggemann, W., & Bellinger, W. H., Jr. (2014). Psalms (New Cambridge Bible Commentary). Cambridge University Press.
Chigozie, C. F., & Akpan, O. J. (2024). Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Muhammadu Buhari’s civilian administration, 2015–2022. African Journal of Law, Political Research and Administration, 7(1), 53–65.
Duntoye, S. J. (2020, October 8). With lived poverty on the rise, Nigerians rate government performance as poor (Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 395). Afrobarometer. https://www.africaportal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ad395-lived_poverty_on_the_rise_in_nigeria.pdf
Eboiyehi, F. A., & Muoghalu, C. O. (2018). Economic recession, challenges and coping strategies among the rural aged in selected communities in Ile-Ife of South-Western Nigeria. International Journal on Ageing in Developing Countries, 3(2), 132–154.
Guzik, D. (2020). Psalm 126 commentary. Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-126/
Hunt, M. H. (2004). The world transformed: 1945 to the present. Oxford University Press.
Ibrahim, L. O., & Dauda, A. (2024). Insecurity and its implications on economic development in Nigeria. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.807126
Ikyaator, J. V., Abachi, P. T., & Doki, N. O. (2024). An assessment of the determinants of Japa syndrome in Nigeria. Journal of Economic and Social Research, 10(1), 137–148.
International Monetary Fund. (2025). Global Debt Database: Central government debt [Data set]. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/datasets/GDD
International Monetary Fund (IMF). (2024). Nigeria: 2024 Article IV consultation—Press release; staff report; and statement by the Executive Director for Nigeria (IMF Country Report No. 24/102). https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2024/102/article-A001-en.xml
International Monetary Fund (IMF). (2025, July 7). How Nigeria can unleash its economic potential. https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/07/07/cf-how-nigeria-can-unleash-its-economic-potential
Irobi, N. C. (2023). Microfinance and poverty alleviation: Case study of Obazu Progressive Women Association, Imo State. International Journal of Scientific and Management Research, 6(7), 50–70.
Iwe, I. O., & Barga, F. (2020). The role of theological education in economic recovery in Nigeria. Journal of Inculturation Theology, 17(1), 166–180.
Johnson, O. (2025, August 19). The glorious restoration (Psalm 126:4–6) [Unpublished presidential address]. 19th Annual Women’s Conference, Diocese of Lagos Mainland (Anglican Communion).
Kidner, D. (2014). Psalms 73–150: An introduction and commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries). IVP Academic.
Lawal, A. M., Essien, B. E., & Gade, H. U. (2024). Dependency theory and multinational corporations in Nigeria. Journal of Public Administration, Policy and Governance Research, 2(4), 120–128.
Mbaegbu, R. (2025). AD998: Facing lack of economic opportunity, Nigerian youth want government action on jobs and cost of living. Afrobarometer. https://www.afrobarometer.org/publication/ad998-facing-lack-of-economic-opportunity-nigerian-youth-want-government-action-on-jobs-and-cost-of-living/
Mumuni, N. A., & Abdulyakeen, A. R. H. (2025). Theories of underdevelopment and the paradox of development: A review of modernisation and dependency theory. Journal of Social Theory and Research, 3, 1–18.
Musibau, K. B., & Bamidele, A. R. H. (2024). Minimum wage increases and civil servants' welfare in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: An examination of Lagos and Osun States civil service. International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management, 6(11), 253–267.
Ogunbiyi, D. O. (2024). Socio-religious issues in alcoholic consumption among Christians in selected Orthodox churches in Surulere Lagos Government, Lagos State. RERUM: Journal of Biblical Practice, 4(1), 38–66. https://doi.org/10.55076/rerum.v4i1.518
Ogunbiyi, D. O. (2025). Socio-exegetical interpretation of 1 Kings 17:13b within the context of Nigerian economic vulnerability and clerical authority. Kwaghe International Journal of Arts, Humanities and Religious Studies, 2(2), 61–84. https://doi.org/10.58578/KIJAHRS.v2i2.6354
Ogunbiyi, D. O. (2025). The sociological effects of cashless policy on church income in Surulere archdeaconry, Diocese of Lagos Mainland (Anglican Communion). MAHABBAH: Journal Religion and Education, 6(2), 100–119. https://e-journal.mahabbah.org/index.php/mjre/article/view/118
Ogunbiyi, D. O., & Adedibu, B. A. (2025). “Strangers and aliens on Earth” (Hebrews 11:13b): A socio-exegetical inquiry into Christians’ rite of passage. Kwaghe International Journal of Arts, Humanities and Religious Studies, 2(3), 130–152. https://doi.org/10.58578/kijahrs.v2i3.7344
Ogunbiyi, D. O., & Adedibu, B. A. (2025). Redefining contemporary African Pentecostalism: Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in sociological retrospect. African Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 5(1), 32–53. https://doi.org/10.62154/ajrts.2025.05.013
Ogunbiyi, D. O., & Olajugbagbe, O. M. (2025). AI and colour symbolism in Nigerian religions: A religio-ethical study. African Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 5(1), 105–124. https://doi.org/10.62154/ajrts.2024.05.01017
Ogunbiyi, D. O., Adeyemo, A. A., & Olajugbagbe, O. M. (2025). Ethical concerns of depression among youths: A socio-religious implication in contemporary Nigeria. African Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 3(1), 65–84. https://doi.org/10.62154/ajrts.2025.03.010687
Ogunbiyi, D. O., Oyebanji, I. T., & Olajugbagbe, O. M. (2025). The sociological impact of youth restiveness on Christianity in Mushin, Lagos State. African Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 3(1), 15–34. https://doi.org/10.62154/ajrts.2025.03.010618
Ogunode, A., Olumide, F., & Ishola, K. (2024). Economic hardship and the Nigerian church: Implications for ministry and social engagement. African Journal of Management and Policy, 3(1), 45–60. https://semantjournals.org/index.php/AJMP/article/view/520 [Access restricted]
Olumoyo, A. E., & Abiri, O. C. (2023). “Japa” syndrome: Causes, effects and solutions for sustainable national development. International Journal of Development and Economic Sustainability, 11(5), 87–95. https://doi.org/10.37745/ijdes.13/vol11n58795
Oye-Oluwafemi, F. A. (2024). Need based evangelism as a tool for economic empowerment and poverty alleviation in Nigerian Pentecostal churches. British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies, 5(5), 24–43. https://doi.org/10.37745/bjmas.2022.04178
Popoola, J. (2020). Globalization and Nigeria’s economic development—A study of the interconnectedness. Open Journal of Political Science, 10, 460–480. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojps.2020.103028
Rigdon, P. (2023, December 13). Digging deeper into Scripture: Psalm 126. Concordia Publishing House. https://www.cph.org/digging-deeper-into-scripture-psalm-126
Stromsta, R. (2024). Climate change, disasters, insecurity, and displacement: The impact of flooding on youth marginalization and human mobility in Nigeria. International Organization for Migration. https://environmentalmigration.iom.int/blogs/climate-change-disasters-insecurity-and-displacement-impact-flooding-youth-marginalization-and-human-mobility-nigeria
Ugwa, C. S., & Leo the Great, E. (2025). Civil servants and the crises of minimum wage: Gendered analysis of socio-economic challenges on female civil servants in Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Research in Social Sciences and Strategic Management Techniques, 11(1), 382–395. https://internationalpolicybrief.org/images/2025/08/AUGUST/article9/ARTICLE-21.pdf
Ukozor, C. U., Nongoamo, M. B., & Deborah, J. (2024). Impact of economic hardship on the churches in Nigeria. American Journal of Management Practice, 1(7), 39–45. https://semantjournals.org/index.php/AJMP/article/view/520 [Access restricted]
World Bank. (n.d.). The World Bank in Nigeria. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nigeria/overview
Yakubu, Y. A. (2018). Effect of political transformation on economic growth in Nigeria. Dutse Journal of Economics and Development Studies, 6(2), 29–37.