Tolle Lege: An Augustinian Journal of Philosophy and Theology

Nigeria is facing the severe inequality of wealth with 63 percent of the population facing multidimensional poverty in the face of Gini coefficient at 35.1. This essay examines the ways of using the Theory of Justice by John Rawls, specifically, the concepts of the original position and the veil of ignorance, to solve the inequality crisis in Nigeria. Through the analysis of the available socioeconomic data using the concepts of Rawlsian principles, the current study illustrates that the difference principle and fair equality of opportunity can be used to find policy solutions. The discussion shows that the existing trends of inequality do not only contravene the basic principles of Rawlsian justice but also provide the policy options basing on justice as fairness. The study brings on board the application of the Western political philosophy in the African developmental situation. 

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