By Milcah Tanimu

ABUJA — The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) delivered a sobering assessment of the nation’s condition, highlighting widespread hardship that has crippled socioeconomic activities and exacerbated a humanitarian crisis. The leaders expressed grave concerns about Nigeria’s current state, citing alarming levels of insecurity, economic instability, and corruption, and called for urgent, transparent, and collective action to reverse the downward trend and pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future.

Speaking at the opening session of the 2024 First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja, CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Ugorji painted a grim picture of the country’s situation, labeling it as the “worst of times,” particularly in terms of security and the economy. Archbishop Ugorji highlighted the pervasive insecurity and economic challenges, despite substantial allocations for security purposes. He lamented the wave of kidnappings, senseless killings, and the rise of banditry that have instilled fear and paralyzed communities nationwide.

The Archbishop condemned the government’s reform agenda, which has led to the removal of fuel subsidies and a sharp depreciation of the national currency. He noted the resultant high inflation, which has made it increasingly difficult for ordinary Nigerians to afford basic necessities such as food and medication. Archbishop Ugorji criticized the lavish spending of government officials amidst widespread poverty, pointing out the stark disparity between the suffering masses and the ostentatious lifestyles of the elite.

Furthermore, the CBCN raised questions about the government’s claims of savings from fuel subsidy removal, highlighting the absence of operational refineries and continued reliance on fuel imports. The accumulation of foreign debt without tangible evidence of savings from subsidy removal raised concerns about the government’s fiscal management.

On the security front, Archbishop Ugorji criticized the government’s efforts as inadequate and called for more proactive measures to safeguard citizens, emphasizing the crucial link between security and socioeconomic development. Additionally, the CBCN underscored the urgent need for more effective prosecution of corrupt officials to stem the tide of corruption and protect public funds from further looting.

In conclusion, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and CAN reiterated their commitment to advocating for the well-being of Nigerians and urged the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens by addressing the root causes of hardship, insecurity, and corruption.