Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), yesterday, faulted reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration, insisting that they have worsened the plight of Nigerians .
Listing the free fall of the Naira, the body regretted that the spiralling inflation in the country has made it difficult for the average Nigerian to access basic commodities, including food items and medication, with “millions of Nigerians being reduced to a life of grinding poverty, wanton suffering and untold hardship as never before in our national history.”
President of CBCN, Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, who spoke at the opening session of the 2024 First Plenary Assembly of the conference in Abuja, observed the significant increase in the pump price of petrol due to subsidy removal and the steep decline in the value of the national currency owing to the unification of the foreign exchange market.
He said in a bid to survive, an increasing number of the poor have resorted to begging. Ugorji argued that as the government demands additional sacrifice from the struggling masses, Nigerians are expecting to see a drastic cut in the cost of governance at all levels.
On insecurity, the cleric decried that despite the huge sums of money appropriated monthly as security votes, communities have remained unsecure.
In his remarks, President of Christian Association Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, reiterated that the high level of insecurity, runaway inflation and hunger remain areas of serious concern.
He said the theme of the Plenary, ‘Synod on Synodality: Areas of Concern for the Church in Nigeria’ is unique and interesting for those who follow the conversations in the Catholic Church for learning and growth.
On his part, Secretary to Government of the Federation, George Akume, pointed out that both the church and government “are aligned in our shared commitment of a brighter future for all Nigerians.”
He stated that through strategic policies, sound initiatives and investments, the current administration aims to drive economic transformation, ensure security, enhance food production, harness natural resources, develop critical infrastructure, improve social services, foster economic diversification, and enhance governance
