Kaduna - Following the conclusion of its quarterly meeting, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital has claimed that Nigerians are enduring hardship due to the removal of petrol subsidies. They assert that the cost of living has deteriorated significantly, with food, transportation, and other essential goods becoming unaffordable for the less privileged.

The gathering of Christian leaders at the Catholic Social Centre in Kaduna was under the leadership of Rev. Yakubu Pam, the Chairman of the association. It was attended by leaders representing the association from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

As stated by Chaplain Gilbert Jechonia, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Northern CAN, the gathering engaged in discussions covering various topics. These included the current economic challenges and security issues affecting the Nigerian population, as well as the political turmoil in neighboring Niger Republic. The meeting also took into account the ongoing efforts made by the federal government and other stakeholders to address these concerns.

The meeting consequently reached the following resolutions:

Urging Nigerians to maintain a continuous prayer for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.

Acknowledging the prevalent mass poverty and hunger in the country, with many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.

Recognizing that the harsh economic conditions have led to the collapse of numerous businesses.

Highlighting the issue of rising unemployment, which has pushed many young people towards criminal activities.

"The meeting praised the efforts of security agencies in combatting insurgency and banditry, although these issues have had a detrimental impact on our economy. Nevertheless, the threat posed by bandits remains persistent, particularly in the northern regions.

"Almost on a daily basis, these criminals continue to terrorize communities, resulting in casualties and abductions. The fear of abduction or violence has prevented many from tending to their farms.

"We urge the federal government to maintain its commitment to empowering and supporting security agencies in their efforts to dismantle these criminal networks.

"The gathering also called upon President Bola Tinubu and the governors of all 36 states to fulfill the expectations of the Nigerian populace by addressing the economic and social challenges facing the country. Both the President and governors must prioritize inclusivity in governance and ensure equitable distribution of development projects to foster a sense of belonging in every region of the country or state."

"The assembly urged President Bola Tinubu to make every possible effort to tackle the prevailing food crisis in the nation. Nigerians are enduring significant hardship due to the removal of the petrol subsidy. The cost of living has become exceedingly burdensome, with prices of essential commodities, transportation, and food skyrocketing beyond the means of many impoverished citizens.

"These prices continue to rise daily, and the ongoing depreciation of the Naira against foreign currencies poses a significant threat that the government must urgently address for the benefit of our economy.

"The gathering also expressed appreciation for the government's efforts in providing palliatives to mitigate the impact of the petrol subsidy removal. Nevertheless, it is our considered belief that such palliatives offer only temporary relief to the suffering masses. The government should adopt more substantial and sustainable measures to address this issue instead of relying on ad-hoc strategies that primarily benefit a select few."

"The distribution of these palliatives is likely to result in a select group of individuals and their associates profiting, as evidenced by reports in Nasarawa State where government officials overseeing the intervention were alleged to have collaborated with traders to divert the relief supplies. We urge the government to take decisive measures against armed Fulani herders who engage in destructive grazing on farmlands and maliciously cut down crops, particularly in Plateau, Benue, and Taraba states."

"The assembly expressed deep concern about the ongoing erosion of Christian moral and ethical values and emphasized the importance of parents devoting more attention to the upbringing of their children... Regarding the political crisis in Niger Republic, the gathering urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to exhaust all diplomatic channels for resolving the issues rather than resorting to force, which could potentially escalate into a conflict."