In the 2024 First Plenary Assembly in Abuja, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) declared Nigeria to be in the throes of unprecedented hardship, sparking a humanitarian crisis.
Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, the CBCN President, painted a grim picture, describing it as the country's 'worst of times.' The assessment addressed a trifecta of issues—rampant insecurity, economic turmoil, and systemic corruption.
The Archbishop's condemnation of the government's reform agenda, focusing on fuel subsidy removal and the steep decline of the national currency, highlighted the toll on the average Nigerian, pushing many into poverty and even begging. The CBCN's challenge to the government's claims of savings from fuel subsidy removal and concerns over accumulating foreign debt underscored skepticism. The dire state of security and a call for proactive measures, coupled with a plea for effective prosecution of corrupt officials, emerged as crucial demands.
CAN's President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed ecumenical solidarity, commending Archbishop Ugorji for addressing critical issues and acknowledging the challenges faced by churches in Nigeria.
The call for sincerity, accountability, and collective efforts to navigate towards a more secure and prosperous future resonated as a desperate plea in the face of Nigeria's complex challenges.
