Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops Sound Alarm on Worsening Hardship, Insecurity, and Youth Unemployment, Call for Urgent Government Action
ABUJA – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has issued a stark warning about the country’s worsening economic crisis, rising insecurity, and youth unemployment, describing the situation as dire despite recent government reforms.
Speaking at the 2025 First Plenary Meeting held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja, the bishops highlighted the surging poverty rate, food inflation, rampant kidnappings, and the deplorable state of correctional facilities. They called for urgent and decisive government action to address the growing crisis.
Top religious leaders, including Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, President of CBCN; Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); and Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, attended the event.
Archbishop Ugorji acknowledged some government economic reforms, such as road rehabilitation, student loan schemes, and debt servicing reduction. However, he stressed that these measures had yet to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians.
“Food inflation has hit 39.84%, making it nearly impossible for families to afford three meals a day. The statistics are alarming—129 million Nigerians now live in multidimensional poverty. Palliatives are not enough. We need sustainable solutions,” Ugorji stated.
The bishops also decried the worsening security situation, citing increased attacks by Boko Haram, bandits, and unknown gunmen. They raised concerns over the surge in kidnappings for ransom, including the recent abduction of Fr. Philip Ekweli and a seminarian, as well as the killing of Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu.
“Our nation is under siege,” Ugorji warned. “Even men of God are not spared. We call on the government to step up security efforts and equip our forces to protect lives and property.”
Youth unemployment was another critical issue, with 53% of Nigeria’s young population jobless. The bishops described the situation as a “ticking time bomb,” warning that joblessness was pushing youths into crime, including internet fraud and armed robbery.
“It is heartbreaking to see our young people lose hope,” Ugorji said. “The government must invest in job creation and vocational training to prevent further social unrest.”
The bishops also condemned the overcrowded and inhumane conditions of Nigerian prisons, where 60-90% of inmates are awaiting trial. They called for judicial reforms and expanded rehabilitation programs to align with global human rights standards.
Archbishop Okoh emphasized that Nigeria is at a breaking point, with millions struggling to survive. “Our people are suffering like never before. Urgent action is needed to prevent deeper chaos,” he warned.
Similarly, Archbishop Kaigama urged the government to prioritize economic policies that provide relief to struggling citizens, warning that prolonged hardship could fuel more unrest. He also called for a shift away from materialism and corruption, urging Nigerians to embrace honesty, integrity, and community values.
The bishops concluded their message with a plea for national healing and renewal, urging the government to take swift action to address the country’s mounting challenges.
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