Unfair for Muslims to work on Friday while Sundays remain free to work, said Omokri

Former President’s aide, Reno Omokri, has urged the federal government to reconsider Nigeria’s official work schedule to allow Muslims to observe their Friday prayers without interruption.

In the video posted on his Facebook page on Friday, Omokri argues that the current settings, which refer to Sunday as a free day of work while maintaining Friday as a full working day, unfair. He noted that before the colonial government, Friday was traditionally recognized as a rest day for Muslims.

“I don’t think it’s fair to Muslims so that we have Friday as a working day in Nigeria. Initially, before colonialism, it was not like that,” Omokri said.

Propose adjustments, Omokri suggested that government offices can be closed at midday on Friday to enable Muslims who faithfully attend Friday prayers. He added that working hours could be extended a little from Monday to Thursday, with the office continued on the previous day, to redeem the clock that was reduced on Friday.

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According to him, such compromise will not have a negative impact on national productivity or economic output, because the hours lost on Friday will be compensated throughout the week.

“When we will lose on Friday we will get it back from Monday to Thursday. So it will not affect our productivity as our country and GDP. And then Muslims can be closed at 12 noon and go for Friday prayers,” he explained.

Omokri stressed that the proposal will help achieve a fair balance between religious obligations and Nigeria’s work structure, ensuring inclusiveness for Christians and Muslims.