“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” – Theophrastus
THE announcement of public holidays to mark religious festivals such as Christmas, Easter, and all the Eids brings to the forefront a pertinent issue that has significant implications for Nigeria’s economic productivity. While cultural and religious observances are integral to the nation’s diverse identity, the increasing number of public holidays, including religious ones, necessitates a critical examination of their impact on national productivity.
Public holidays, particularly those that span multiple days like the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha, result in the closure of government offices, schools, banks, and numerous private businesses. This cessation of work, while providing a necessary respite and time for cultural and religious observance, inadvertently stifles economic activity. The loss of productive workdays translates to delayed transactions, halted projects, and a slowdown in overall economic momentum.
In Nigeria, where the economy is striving to diversify and accelerate its recovery, the frequency and length of public holidays can be a significant impediment. The manufacturing sector, for instance, which operates on tight schedules to meet both local and international demands, is particularly affected. Disruptions in production schedules can lead to missed deadlines, financial losses, and strained business relationships.
Nigeria is constitutionally a secular state, and the compulsory declaration of religious holidays by the Federal Government runs counter to the spirit of this secularism. The Nigerian Constitution, which ensures freedom of religion and prohibits the establishment of any state religion, implicitly advocates for a separation between religion and state affairs. Mandatory observance of religious holidays by the entire nation, therefore, can be seen as an anathema to the secular principles enshrined in the constitution.
Furthermore, Nigeria already accommodates significant disruptions to the workweek due to religious practices. Christians observe Sunday as a day of worship, while Muslims have Friday prayers. Over a year, these worship days accumulate significantly. There are 52 Sundays and 52 Fridays annually, totalling 104 days, representing about three months of idleness, dedicated to religious observance outside of public holidays. Adding several mandatory public holidays to this mix further compounds the number of non-productive days, placing a considerable strain on the economy.
Given the pressing need for continuous economic activity, it is worth considering a rationalization of public holidays. One proposition is to limit public holidays to national celebrations that commemorate significant milestones in the country’s history, such as Democracy Day on June 12 and Inauguration Day on May 29. This approach would ensure that the nation takes collective pauses to reflect on its shared history and achievements without the frequent interruptions caused by religious holidays.
Religious holidays could be observed as personal or optional holidays. Employees could be given the flexibility to take these days off based on their faith and cultural practices, using their allocated leave days. This model respects individual religious practices without imposing a uniform cessation of economic activity across the entire nation.
In addition to the plethora of public holidays, Nigeria’s productivity is further hampered by frequent industrial actions. Strikes by labour unions, often in response to unresolved grievances related to wages, working conditions, and government policies, result in the shutdown of key sectors. The education and healthcare sectors are frequently paralyzed by these strikes, leading to a compounded loss in productivity.
These industrial actions, while sometimes necessary to address legitimate concerns, underscore the need for better conflict resolution mechanisms. A proactive approach to addressing labour issues through dialogue and timely interventions could mitigate the frequency and duration of strikes. Ensuring a more stable and predictable working environment is crucial for fostering economic growth.
While the call to reduce public holidays might be met with resistance due to cultural and religious sentiments, it is imperative to strike a balance between preserving cultural heritage and fostering economic growth. Policymakers need to engage in comprehensive consultations with religious leaders, labour unions, and economic experts to devise a public holiday calendar that reflects this balance.
Encouraging a culture of productivity does not mean eroding cultural practices. Instead, it involves creating an environment where cultural observances can coexist with the imperatives of a growing economy. Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options and staggered leave schedules, can also help in this regard.
While acknowledging the importance of these observances, it is crucial to rationalize the holiday calendar to ensure that the nation’s economic activities are not unduly hampered. Limiting public holidays to key national celebrations, alongside better management of industrial actions, could provide a pathway towards enhanced productivity and economic resilience. By fostering a culture that values both work and cultural observance, Nigeria can better position itself for sustainable growth and development.
