By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has warned that the country’s economic situation, including hardship, insecurity, and youth unemployment have reached alarming levels despite recent government reforms.

The bishops expressed grave concern on rising poverty, food inflation, kidnappings, and the deplorable state of correctional facilities, calling for urgent and decisive action to address the crisis.

The warning came during the 2025 First Plenary Meeting of the CBCN, held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, CSN, in Abuja, yesterday.

The event was attended by top religious leaders, including Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and President of CBCN; Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN; and Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja.

They urged the government to tackle the root causes of economic hardship and insecurity, emphasizing that millions of Nigerians were suffering under extreme conditions of poverty and fear.

Archbishop Ugorji acknowledged some of the government’s economic and fiscal reforms, such as road rehabilitation, the student loan scheme, and debt servicing reduction.

Ugorji said: “While we recognise the government’s efforts in implementing certain reforms, the reality remains that most Nigerians are struggling more than ever before.

“Food inflation has hit 39.84 percent, making it nearly impossible for families to afford three meals a day. The statistics are alarming, 129 million Nigerians are now living in multidimensional poverty. Palliatives and temporary relief programmes are not enough. We need sustainable solutions that address the root causes of economic hardship.”

The bishops also raised alarms over worsening insecurity, with violent attacks by Boko Haram, bandits, and unknown gunmen increasing across the country. They noted that kidnappings for ransom have escalated, with religious leaders among the latest targets.

Ugorji highlighted the recent abduction of Fr. Philip Ekweli and a major seminarian, as well as the killing of Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, as evidence of the growing threat.




https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/hardship-insecurity-worsening-in-nigeria-catholic-bishops/