The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reassess his economic policies, emphasizing that Nigerians are increasingly dissatisfied with their impact. Archbishop Ugorji, who also serves as the Archbishop of Owerri, voiced these concerns during the opening session of the 2024 Second Plenary Assembly of the CBCN in Auchi, Edo State.
In his address, Archbishop Ugorji criticized the current economic strategies, stating that they have inflicted more harm than good on the Nigerian populace. He argued that the nation’s socio-economic challenges are far too complex to be resolved solely through economic reforms, regardless of how well-conceived or carefully implemented they may be.
"It appears that the current policies are no longer effective," Archbishop Ugorji remarked. He advocated for a return to a regional system of government, which he believes could better address the deep-rooted issues of corruption and governance in Nigeria.
He further elaborated, "The cost of maintaining our current presidential system, with its extensive network of elected officials and support staff, is both exorbitant and unsustainable. The centralization of national resources at the federal level only amplifies opportunities for corruption."
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 25 years under the presidential system, Ugorji suggested that now might be the ideal time to consider reverting to the regional system envisioned by the country’s founding fathers or, alternatively, to devolve more power to the six geopolitical zones.
While acknowledging the achievements outlined by President Tinubu in his August 4th address, the Archbishop did not shy away from highlighting the nation’s pressing issues. These include the growing public debt, notably the $2.25 billion loan secured from the World Bank in June 2024, which has pushed Nigeria’s total debt profile to $93.7 billion. He also pointed to challenges such as multiple taxation, widespread hunger, and the insecurity-induced hardships facing citizens.
Archbishop Ugorji urged for swift and proactive measures to be taken to prevent the current situation from escalating into a full-blown crisis.
Earlier in the event, Most Rev. Fr. Gabriel Dunia, Bishop of Auchi Diocese, delivered a homily urging those in power to serve with humility and reminding citizens of their duty to respect authority. He emphasized that issues like banditry, corruption, and poor governance could be overcome through collective fasting and prayer, reassuring the congregation that God continues to hear the prayers of His people.
The bishops convened in Auchi to pray for Nigeria, expressing their faith that divine intervention would bring about positive change for the country.
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