Impact of Religion on Socio-Political and Economic Development: A Case of Religious Crisis in China and Nigeria, 1990-2015.

Abstract

China and Nigeria have a profusion of religions which has effected in one way or the other, the socio-political and economic landscape of both countries. This chapter critically examines the effect of religion on the socio-political and economic development of China and Nigeria. The purpose is not to explore all the religions in China and Nigeria but of bringing to the fore, all the religions in China and Nigeria, but is to examine the effect of the religious crisis being perpetrated by the Uyghurs (the Turkic Muslim minority who live primarily in the Xinjiang region of Western China) and the Boko Haram in North-East Nigeria, on the development of both countries. Secondary sources were used in carrying out this research. This chapter argues that, the insurgence was a “frustration aggression hypothesis” on account of religious restrictions and the influence of Western education in China and Nigeria respectively. The conclusion derived from the available evidence suggests that both the Uyghurs and Boko Haram, resorted to Islamic activism (which in turn led to the loss of lives and properties) to further their cause. This chapter recommends the adoption of pro-active security measures by the governments of both countries for this religious crisis to be abated, and also to put in place policies that equitably address poverty and unemployment. In addition, religious leaders should desist from wrong interpretation of religious texts in order not to spark up excessive patriotism, which in turn culminate into religious extremism.