Catholic Bishops Task President On Economic Reforms

Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, under the auspices of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has said that Nigeria is on the brink of a major crisis if urgent steps are not taken to address the deepening socio-economic challenges.

President of the CBCN, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, gave the warning during his welcome address at the 2024 Second Plenary Assembly of the CBCN held in Auchi, Edo State.

Ugorji explained that the grave issues facing the nation included youth unrest, a crippling debt burden, multiple taxation, and worsening food insecurity, which has made Nigeria to be sitting on a ticking time bomb, with these challenges threatening the stability of the nation.

The CBCN president, while reflecting on the recent #EndBadGovernance protest, warned that continued economic decline and widespread poverty fuel youth discontent, which could lead to more violent uprisings.

He condemned the excessive force used by security operatives against protesters, urging the government to address the root causes of these protests rather than suppressing them.

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The Catholic Bishops also expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s escalating debt crisis, noting that its heavy reliance on loans has exacerbated poverty and suffering among its citizens.

He called for a review of current economic policies, comparing the situation to the failed Structural Adjustment Programme of the 1980s, criticising the government’s approach to taxation, and highlighting the negative impact of multiple taxes on businesses already struggling due to a harsh economic environment.

The CBCN president urged the government to harmonise taxes and create a more business-friendly atmosphere, lamenting the dire state of food security in the country, where millions are facing hunger and malnutrition.

He called for comprehensive measures to tackle the underlying causes of food insecurity, including addressing insecurity, supporting farmers, and promoting agribusiness.