- Catholic Bishops warn of bleak future
- Say correctional centres breeding ground for diseases
The economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have been ascribed to have had a devastating impact on the nation, triggering sky-rocketing inflation, drastically reducing the purchasing power of Nigerians, and plunging millions into poverty. The stark reality of Nigeria’s economic crisis was highlighted by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, who painted a dire picture of a nation struggling to survive at the opening session of the 2025 first plenary meeting of the conference, held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), penultimate Sunday, in Abuja.
Speaking at the plenary themed “Jubilee of Hope: A light for a better Nigeria”, the high- ranking prelate decried the rising cost of living, worsened by inflation and a weak purchasing power that has plunged millions into poverty. He cited four critical issues that threaten Nigeria’s future. These concerns, include the harsh socio-economic situation, escalating insecurity, rising youth unemployment, and deplorable conditions in federal correctional centres. This bleak assessment comes as Nigeria struggles to find its footing amid numerous challenges.
Alarming poverty statistics
Archbishop Ugorji noted that according to the World Bank, a staggering 129 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line, a stark testament to the failure of the government’s economic policies. In his words, “While the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration aims at stabilising the economy on the long term, they have significantly triggered sky-rocketing inflation, drastically reduced the purchasing power of Nigerians, and plunged millions into poverty. “The World Bank projects that 129 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line. The 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis lists Nigeria as the second globally in terms of acute food insecurity, with 24 million people categorised as food insecure.”
Food inflation hits record highs
The CBCN President disclosed that according to data drawn from the National Bureau of Statistics, food inflation hit a record high of 39.84% in December, leaving millions of Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities. As stated by him, the situation is further exacerbated by the fact that Nigerians now spend about 65% of their income on food alone, leaving little room for health care and other essential expenses. “It is reported that Nigerians now spend about 65% of their income on food alone. Thus, health care and other basic necessities are sacrificed,” he said.
Government’s efforts: A drop in the ocean
The Bishops criticised government’s efforts at alleviating the sufferings of the citizenry through the distribution of palliatives, duty waivers on imported food items, and other measures, which they described as inadequate. Archbishop Ugorji noted that these measures are merely the tip of the iceberg, failing to address the root causes of the economic crisis. The CBCN posited that as Nigeria continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of its economic crisis, it is imperative that the government takes immediate and drastic action to address the root causes of the problem. The Bishops stressed that the future of the nation hangs in the balance, and the time for rhetoric is over.
“It is time for urgent action,” They emphasised. Archbishop Ugorgi highlighted the devastating impact of the country’s harsh socio-economic situation, heightening insecurity, rising youth unemployment, and the deplorable state of its federal correctional centres. The CBCN President said the relentless struggle to make ends meet has taken a severe toll on the mental health of many Nigerian parents. According to the prelate, the daily stress of providing for their families has become overwhelming, leading to a decline in their overall well-being,a testament to the government’s failure to address the country’s socio-economic woes.
Positive developments overshadowed by the harsh realities
He noted that despite some positive developments, such as the rehabilitation of dilapidated roads, the construction of new ones, and the introduction of a student loan scheme, the overall state of the nation remains bleak. The cleric observed that although these government’s economic and fiscal reforms have had some positive effects, but have been overshadowed by the harsh realities faced by millions of Nigerians.
Heightening insecurity: A call for action
The CBCN further reiterated their deep concern over the growing menace of banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings, which have become a daily reality in Nigeria. The Bishops’ President statement came on the heels of a spate of violent attacks across the country, including the brutal murder of Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu and the abduction of several other priests and religious figures. These senseless acts of violence have sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving many to wonder if anyone is truly safe. “Enough of this senseless brutality, enough of this barbarism.
This carnage must stop,” he stated, urging the government to deploy advanced technology to strengthen security operations. The CBCN’s statement was more than just a condemnation of violence; it was a call to action. The Bishops urged the government to take immediate and decisive action to address the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria.
A moment of silence for the fallen
In honuor of the victims of these senseless attacks, Archbishop Ugorji called for a moment of silence to remember Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, who was brutally murdered, and Bishop Ayo Maria Atoyebi, who passed away recently.
Rising youth unemployment: A ticking time bomb
The Catholic Bishops of Nigeria further decried the country’s escalating youth unemployment crisis, describing it as a “ticking bomb” waiting to unleash its full fury on the nation. With over 53% of Nigerian youths unemployed, Archbishop Ugorji sounded the alarm, warning that frustration and disillusionment are pushing young people into crime, including cyber fraud, cultism, and ritual killings. The stark reality is that Nigeria’s education system is not aligned with the demands of the job market. This has resulted in a situation where millions of young people are armed with qualifications, but lack the skills to secure employment.
The prelate emphasised the need for skill-based training, which would equip young people with the practical skills required to succeed in the workforce. He said, “The situation is foreseen to worsen with institutions turning out more and more graduates into the labour market annually. Unfortunately, most of the unemployed youths seem unemployable because they lack the skills in demand in the job market.” The Catholic Bishops enjoined the government to take concrete steps to address Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis.
Deplorable state of federal correctional centres
Archbishop Ugorji also decried the deplorable state ofcentres. Describing these facilities as overcrowded, inhumane, and breeding grounds for disease and the perpetuation of crime, the Bishops advocated for prison reforms as they urged the government to take immediate action to address this national disgrace.
Rekindling hope amid despair
As Nigeria navigates the challenges of its socio-economic and political landscape, Archbishop Ugorji urged the citizenry to hold onto hope as a catalyst for national transformation. Reflecting on the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope declared by Pope Francis, the CBCN president emphasised the need for collective action to bring about necessary change and rekindle hope among the people. He enjoined the Church leaders to persist in advocating for good governance, justice, and transparency, recognising the critical role they play in shaping the nation’s moral fabric. Archbishop Ugorji said, “We must play our role in creating a new Nigeria by bringing about necessary change and rekindling hope among our people.”
Creating a new Nigeria
Archbishop Ugorji’s called for action to not only advocate for change, but also create a new Nigeria. According to the CBCN President, by working together, Nigerians can create a brighter future, one that is built on the principles of hope, justice, and equality.
