Nigeria stands at a precipice, grappling with a confluence of socioeconomic and political challenges that threaten to plunge the nation into chaos. The Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, convened for their first plenary meeting of 2025, have issued a stark warning, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action to avert an impending national crisis. At the heart of their concerns lies the pervasive issue of youth unemployment, a ticking time bomb that fuels a surge in criminal activities and social unrest. With an alarming unemployment rate of 53 percent, millions of young Nigerians find themselves trapped in a cycle of despair, increasingly susceptible to recruitment by criminal gangs, terrorist organizations, and the allure of illicit activities such as internet fraud, ritual killings, and drug abuse. The bishops emphasize the direct correlation between economic hardship and the rise in insecurity, urging the government to prioritize job creation as a critical component of its national security strategy. They argue that without a concerted effort to address the root causes of unemployment, the battle against insecurity and violent crime remains a losing one.
The economic woes facing Nigeria are further compounded by a harsh and hostile business environment that has led to the collapse of numerous companies and widespread layoffs. This dire situation exacerbates the unemployment crisis, pushing more young people into the abyss of desperation. The pursuit of instant wealth, fueled by hopelessness, drives some to embrace pagan rituals and human sacrifices, while others find themselves entangled in the web of organized crime. The bishops implore the government at all levels to recognize the gravity of the youth unemployment crisis and implement comprehensive strategies to generate employment opportunities on a massive scale. They stress that the future stability and prosperity of Nigeria hinge on the ability to empower its young population and provide them with meaningful pathways to economic independence.
Beyond the immediate threat posed by youth unemployment, the bishops also express grave concern over the deteriorating security situation and the deplorable conditions within Nigeria’s correctional facilities. The 2019 Nigerian Correctional Services Act, intended to transform prisons into rehabilitation centers, has fallen short of its objectives due to inadequate implementation. The bishops urge the government to prioritize the reform of the correctional system, ensuring that it serves its intended purpose of rehabilitation and reintegration rather than perpetuating a cycle of crime. They emphasize the importance of addressing the systemic issues that contribute to criminal behavior, including poverty, lack of education, and social inequality.
The bishops’ call for action extends beyond the realm of economic and security concerns to encompass a broader reflection on the nation’s moral and spiritual compass. Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, criticizes the superficiality of religious displays that fail to translate into tangible societal transformation. He condemns the pursuit of religious supremacy and the construction of extravagant places of worship while the nation grapples with widespread poverty and moral decay. He calls for a return to genuine spirituality, emphasizing the importance of leading by example through acts of honesty, service, and love. Archbishop Kaigama urges Nigerians to embrace the values of justice, compassion, and advocacy for the poor, rejecting all forms of oppression. He envisions a new Nigeria built on the foundation of shared responsibility and a commitment to the common good.
The tragic incident in Abuja last Christmas, where individuals were crushed to death while scrambling for food, serves as a stark reminder of the desperate conditions faced by many Nigerians. Archbishop Kaigama laments this tragedy as a national embarrassment, highlighting the incongruity of such suffering in a nation blessed with abundant resources. He underscores the urgent need to address the underlying causes of poverty and inequality, ensuring that all Nigerians have access to basic necessities. The bishops’ message resonates with the sentiments expressed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, who acknowledges that many Nigerians have reached their breaking point. He recognizes the profound impact of hunger, poverty, insecurity, and disease on the morale of the nation and calls upon religious leaders to provide courageous leadership in addressing these critical issues.
In their collective pronouncements, the Catholic bishops of Nigeria paint a compelling picture of a nation teetering on the brink. They issue a clarion call for immediate and decisive action to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the country. They emphasize the interconnectedness of economic hardship, insecurity, and moral decay, urging a holistic approach to national transformation. The bishops’ message serves as a wake-up call to political leaders, religious institutions, and all citizens to embrace their shared responsibility in building a more just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria. They offer a message of hope, reminding Nigerians that a new Nigeria is possible if they collectively commit to the principles of justice, compassion, and service. The bishops implore the government to prioritize job creation, address the root causes of insecurity, and reform the correctional system. They challenge religious leaders to move beyond symbolic displays and embrace genuine spirituality that translates into tangible societal transformation. Above all, they call upon all Nigerians to unite in their pursuit of a better future, one where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the common good.
