The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has expressed concern that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms have led to soaring inflation and pushed millions of Nigerians into poverty.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 First Plenary Meeting of the CBCN in Abuja, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Conference, highlighted the severe hardships Nigerians are facing due to rising costs of essential goods, fuel, and transportation.

“While the administration’s economic policies are designed for long-term stability, they have caused skyrocketing inflation, weakened Nigerians’ purchasing power, and plunged millions into poverty,” Ugorji stated.

Citing World Bank data, he noted that 129 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line, while the 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis ranks Nigeria second worldwide for acute food insecurity, affecting 24 million people. He also referenced National Bureau of Statistics data showing that food inflation reached 39.84% in December 2024, with many Nigerians spending 65% of their income on food, leaving little for healthcare and other essentials.

Although the government has introduced palliatives, duty waivers on food imports, and infrastructure projects—including road rehabilitation, a student loan scheme, and a reduction in debt servicing—the archbishop said these efforts remain insufficient to address the country’s deepening crisis.

Beyond economic hardship, Ugorji also raised concerns about rising insecurity, citing increasing attacks by Boko Haram, bandits, and unknown gunmen. He lamented the growing incidents of kidnappings for ransom and targeted killings, including attacks on priests and religious leaders.

Meanwhile, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Daniel Okoh, emphasized that the plenary session’s theme, “Jubilee of Hope: A Light for a Better Nigeria,” is a call for Nigerians to seek spiritual renewal and strengthen their relationships with one another and with God.