Nigeria’s Dire Situation: Catholic Church Calls For Urgent Intervention As Hunger Takes Hold

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja during the 2025 First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), the Church highlighted the dire situation facing Nigerian families. The event, held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), was attended by prominent religious leaders, including Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and President of CBCN; Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); and Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja.

The Church lamented that many families are struggling to afford three meals a day due to soaring food inflation and widespread poverty. Archbishop Ugorji emphasized that temporary measures like palliatives are insufficient to tackle the root causes of the economic crisis.

“While we recognize the government’s efforts in implementing certain reforms, the reality remains that most Nigerians are suffering more than ever before,” he stated. “Food inflation has reached 39.84%, making it nearly impossible for families to afford basic meals. Alarmingly, 129 million Nigerians are now living in multidimensional poverty. Palliatives and temporary relief programs are inadequate. We need long-term solutions that address the core issues of economic hardship.”

On the issue of insecurity, the Catholic Church condemned the daily reports of abductions, torture, and killings across the country, with many priests among the victims. The Church called on the government to do more to ensure the safety of its citizens.

“Our nation is under siege. Every day we hear of innocent Nigerians being abducted, tortured, or killed by criminals who operate with impunity. Even religious leaders are not spared. How much longer will we continue to live in fear? We urge the government to enhance security efforts, invest in intelligence gathering, and provide the necessary resources for our security forces to protect lives and property,” the bishops stated.

They also expressed concern over the growing hopelessness among the country’s youth, who are turning to desperate measures in search of a better future.