Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has urged a review of Nigeria’s work schedule to allow Muslims to observe Friday prayers without disruption, calling the current system unfair.
In a video shared on his Facebook page on Friday, Omokri noted that before colonial rule, Fridays were traditionally recognized as a day of rest for Muslims. He argued that it is inequitable for Christians to have Sunday off while Muslims are required to work on Fridays, a day of religious significance.
“I don’t think it is fair for the Muslim Ummah for us to have Friday as a working day in Nigeria. Originally, before colonialism, it was not like that,” Omokri said.
He proposed adjusting work hours so offices could close earlier on Fridays, suggesting that the workweek start earlier from Monday to Thursday to compensate.
“Now we have Sunday as a non-working day and Friday as a working day. I think we can achieve a compromise. We can start work at 7:30am from Monday to Friday, then close at 12 noon on Friday,” he explained.
Omokri emphasized that the change would not harm national productivity or economic output, noting that hours lost on Friday could be made up earlier in the week.
“So the time we are going to lose on Friday, we are going to gain it back from Monday to Thursday. It will not affect our productivity or GDP. And then the Muslim Ummah can close at 12 noon and go for Solat Jumaat,” he said.
According to Omokri, the proposal would balance religious obligations with Nigeria’s workday system, ensuring fairness for both Christians and Muslims.
