The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged the Federal Government to address the escalating food prices and the resulting hardships across the country.
In a communiqué released at the conclusion of their week-long second plenary meeting in Auchi Diocese, Edo, the bishops called for government intervention to support farmers through subsidies, soft loans, modern technology, and improved seedlings. They also emphasized the need for assistance to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
The bishops highlighted the struggles Nigerians are facing due to high electricity tariffs, soaring costs of petroleum products, transportation, healthcare, and inadequate basic infrastructure.
They also advocated for a shift in political ideology from self-serving power dynamics to a service-oriented approach focused on solidarity with the people.
The CBCN declared 2024 as the Year of Prayer in preparation for the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025. They stressed that prayer should be coupled with action and repentance at all levels—individual, community, leadership, and national.
The bishops expressed concern over problematic practices during worship, such as excessively long celebrations, high monetary demands, lack of silence and decorum, and changes to sacramental words and elements. They called for heightened vigilance to ensure liturgical practices adhere to approved norms.
The CBCN condemned the use of violence by some protesters and the killing of citizens by security forces, while reaffirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest. They urged the government to address the root causes of protests and release all detained demonstrators.
Additionally, the bishops requested the government to reconsider its economic reforms to alleviate citizen hardship and foster people-centered development. They also called for harmonized taxes and a reduction in multiple taxation to prevent business failures and attract investors.
Finally, the CBCN appealed to all Nigerians to observe the ongoing Year of Prayer, engage in sincere fasting for the country, and seek the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria.