ABUAJA: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has raised serious concerns over the nation’s worsening economic crisis, highlighting severe hardship, insecurity, and rising youth unemployment despite recent government reforms.
During the 2025 First Plenary Meeting held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) in Abuja, the bishops called for urgent and decisive action to tackle these pressing issues. The gathering was attended by top religious leaders, including Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji,
Archbishop of Owerri and CBCN President; Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); and Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja.
The bishops emphasized that millions of Nigerians are suffering under extreme poverty, with food inflation reaching an alarming 39.84%.
Archbishop Ugorji acknowledged certain government initiatives, such as road rehabilitation, the student loan scheme, and debt servicing reduction. However, he stressed that these efforts have not translated into relief for ordinary citizens.
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“Despite these reforms, most Nigerians are struggling more than ever, Ugorji stated. Food inflation is at an all-time high, making it nearly impossible for families to afford three meals a day. Currently, 129 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty.
Palliatives and temporary relief programs are not enough. We need long-term solutions that address the root causes of economic hardship.
The bishops also condemned the worsening security situation, citing the rise in violent attacks by Boko Haram, bandits, and unidentified gunmen. They noted that kidnappings for ransom have surged, with religious leaders increasingly being targeted.
Archbishop Ugorji pointed to the recent abduction of Fr. Philip Ekweli and a major seminarian, as well as the murder of Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, as alarming indicators of the growing lawlessness.
Our nation is under siege, Ugorji declared. “Every day, innocent Nigerians are abducted, tortured, or killed by criminals operating with impunity. Even clergy members are not spared.
How much longer must we live in fear? The government must intensify security efforts, enhance intelligence gathering, and equip security forces to protect lives and property.”
The bishops also highlighted the dire state of youth unemployment, warning that it poses a significant threat to national stability. With over 53% of young Nigerians jobless, they described the situation as a “ticking time bomb.
They cautioned that joblessness is driving many youths into crime, including internet fraud, armed robbery, and ritual killings. To address this, they urged the government to invest in vocational training and job creation programs.
“Our young people are losing hope in their country,” Ugorji lamented. “Many turn to crime out of desperation, while others embark on dangerous migration routes in search of a better life. This cannot continue.
The government must prioritize employment initiatives to engage youths constructively and prevent them from being drawn into criminal activities.”
The bishops also criticized Nigeria’s correctional facilities, highlighting extreme overcrowding and poor living conditions, where 60-90% of inmates are awaiting trial. They called for judicial reforms to ensure faster trials and improvements in prison infrastructure to align with global human rights standards.
Additionally, they urged the government to expand rehabilitation programs to help inmates reintegrate into society.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, warned that Nigeria is on the brink of deeper chaos due to widespread suffering.
“Our people are struggling like never before, Okoh said. Families must choose between eating and paying school fees, buying medicine or paying rent. The gap between the rich and poor has never been wider. Without urgent intervention, we risk national collapse.
This is a time for deep reflection and concrete action to transform our economic and social structures.
Similarly, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama condemned the worsening economic crisis, stressing that inflation and poverty have crippled millions of households.
He called for economic policies that provide real relief to struggling citizens, warning that prolonged hardship could trigger increased social unrest.
Kaigama also urged Nigerians to reject materialism and corruption, instead embracing values of honesty, integrity, and community support.
We must foster a culture of accountability and ethical leadership,” he stated. “Only then can we rebuild a nation where every citizen can thrive.
