In response to ongoing socioeconomic challenges facing Nigeria, the Catholic Bishops of the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province have urged the Federal Government to move away from temporary band-aid solutions and instead adopt long-term, sustainable empowerment strategies that would genuinely improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
The Bishops emphasized the importance of addressing the systemic issues that have exacerbated poverty and inequality in Nigeria, urging all levels of government to prioritize initiatives that will empower citizens to achieve financial stability and dignity.
Catholic Bishops from Lagos Archdiocese, Ijebu Ode and Abeokuta Dioceses recently held their first plenary meeting in 2025 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Maryland, Lagos.
They expressed their apprehension in a communiqué that was issued at the end of the first plenary meeting for the year 2025, which reflected on issues affecting the church and the nation.
In the communiqué signed by the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, as chairman and the Archbishop of Ijebu Ode, Most Rev. Francis Adesina, as secretary reads, “The economy struggles with rising inflation, unemployment, and a widening gap between the rich and the poor have among other things led to the tragic loss of life of over 100 people in December last year as they struggled to access palliatives. This tragedy underscores the need to bring about a change from the “palliative mentality” to an “empowerment culture.” This approach will restore citizens’ dignity and pride and help to achieve a genuine reduction of the rate of poverty.
”Furthermore, government officials, civil society organizations, the organized private sector, and indeed all citizens must collaborate to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance. By working together, we can build a country that is more just, equitable, and prosperous for all.”
The Bishops also expressed deep concern over the substandard living conditions and insufficient support provided to internally displaced persons, migrants, and refugees in Nigeria, imploring all levels of government to make concerted efforts towards improving the situation by prioritizing the well-being of these vulnerable individuals.
In a call to action for the entire Nigerian community, the Clerics urge citizens to rally together, setting aside differences and embracing unity in order to forge a stronger, more just and equitable society that upholds peace, fairness, and prosperity for all.
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