Christian Leaders in Nigeria Urge Government to Address Economic Challenges

Kaduna, 02 October, 2023 / 4:05 PM

Christian leaders in Nigeria are calling on the federal government to address the "pressing" economic challenges and insecurity in the nation.

In their Sunday, October 1 statement on the 63rd independence anniversary of the West African nation, members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged Nigerians not to forget the challenges that are confronting the nation.

“As we reflect on our journey, we urge the government to prioritize addressing the pressing economic challenges and the escalating state of insecurity in our beloved country,” CAN members who include representatives of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) said.

The Christian leaders underscored the need for “urgent measures” to be taken to stabilize the Nigerian economy.

They said the depreciation of the Naira against the dollar had had “a profound impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians”, and urged the Nigerian government to implement sustainable economic policies that they said would strengthen the Naira, encourage investment, and revitalize key sectors. 

“By fostering an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and providing necessary support to small and medium-sized enterprises, we can create jobs and alleviate poverty, ultimately improving the quality of life for all citizens,” they said.

In the statement signed by CAN Presidengt, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Christian leaders expressed “deep concern over the spate of violence and bloodshed that has plagued communities, leading to loss of lives and displacement of innocent citizens.”

They called for the allocation of adequate resources to security agencies and the strengthening of intelligence gathering to address insecurity.

“Restoring peace and security is vital not only for the affected regions but for the entire nation, as it will enable people to return to their farms, fostering food security and sustainable development,” they said.

“Furthermore, we emphasize the need for unity and national cohesion. Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and we must harness this diversity for the common good of all citizens. Together, we can build bridges of understanding and foster an environment where all citizens feel valued and protected,” the Christian leaders said.