ABSTRACT

Amos' call for justice (Amos 5:24) is in the context of various forms of social injustices prevalent in Israel at the time. There are undeniable commonalities between Amos' context and contemporary Nigerian society. Amos' call ostensibly seeks a deliberate prioritization of social justice and righteousness as disruptive alternatives to injustice and marginalization in his days. This study aims to read Amos 5:24 in exploring the possibility of prioritizing social justice as a key intervention to driving sustainable development in Nigeria. The paper uses the critical social theory approach. It argues that any attempt at sustainable national development is a leap in the dark when social justice is relegated and undermined. The study finds significant similarities between the contexts of Amos 5:24 and the prevailing social justice conditions in Nigeria. It also finds that poverty, inequitable distribution of resources, poor healthcare, and discrimination in varying forms, among others, are social injustices at their tipping points in Nigeria. The Paper concludes that, like Amos' call, it is important that the issues of social justice are addressed as matters of national priority.