The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the Federal Government to tackle the escalating food prices and widespread economic hardship currently affecting Nigerians. This plea was made in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of their second plenary meeting, held over the past week at the Auchi Diocese in Edo State.
The CBCN urged the government to implement measures that would directly support the agricultural sector and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The bishops recommended providing farmers with subsidies, soft loans, modern technology, and improved seedlings to enhance agricultural productivity.
The communiqué highlighted the severe economic challenges faced by Nigerians, including high electricity tariffs, the rising cost of petroleum products, transportation, and healthcare. The bishops pointed out that these issues, compounded by inadequate infrastructure, have intensified the economic strain on the populace.
The bishops advocated for a shift away from a political ideology centered on self-enrichment and arbitrary power use. They called for a transformative approach to politics that emphasizes service, solidarity, and genuine concern for the welfare of the people.
The CBCN declared 2024 as the Year of Prayer, a period of preparation leading up to the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025. They stressed that prayer should be accompanied by actionable steps and repentance for individual and collective wrongdoings.
The bishops expressed concern over deviations from established liturgical practices, such as excessively lengthy worship services, inappropriate monetary collections, and alterations to sacramental words and elements. They called for increased vigilance to ensure adherence to approved liturgical norms.
The CBCN condemned the use of violence by some protesters and the killing of citizens by security operatives. They reaffirmed the constitutional right to peaceful protest and urged governments to address the root causes of protests and release all detained protesters.
The CBCN’s communiqué reflects a comprehensive concern for both social and economic issues in Nigeria, urging significant reforms and support measures to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians while advocating for moral and ethical practices within the church and broader society.
