The Christian Association of Nigeria, on Friday, urged the Federal Government tto focus on the measures that will alleviate rather than exacerbate the existing poverty level hardships induced by the removal of fuel subsidy on Nigerians.
The call was made in a statement signed by the President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, noting that the development has placed an enormous burden on the already struggling masses, adding that it is extremely difficult for the citizen to afford the basic necessities of life.
The call came in the wake of the recent unprecedented hikes in fuel prices and alarming inflation rate, officially pegged at 22.79%.
While the Christ body highlighted concerns over the hardships faced by Nigerians, the CAN Chairman said, “While we acknowledge the complex and difficult decisions that government must take to manage the nation’s economy, there is the urgent need to prioritize measures that will alleviate rather than exacerbate the existing poverty level and hardships of Nigerians.”
The association hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for his commitment towards building a united, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria.
They observed the national balance in the recent appointment of Service Chiefs, acknowledged that it was a sign that every segment of the Nigerian society is significant to the Nigerian development.
Pointing out the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians following the fuel price hike from N540 to N617, which has significantly impacted the cost of living, CAN stressed that, “This has placed an enormous burden on the already struggling masses, making it extremely difficult for them to afford the basic necessities of life,” Okoh pointed out.
Okoh maintained that the government engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions to the current situation.
CAN urged Nigerians to embraced comprehensive economic policies in order to promote inclusive growth, job creation, and social well-being.
It further called on government to focus on diversifying the economy, promoting investments in sectors with the potential to create sustainable employment opportunities, and introducing mass transport across states to reduce the cost of transportation.
In the statement, CAN also suggested measures to reduce the price of fuel, such as the removal of unnecessary levies and taxes on imported petroleum products, stabilization of the foreign exchange market, and restoring local refineries to functional use.
“While we agree that there is no gain without pain, the pain must not be unbearable,” Okoh stated, emphasizing the necessity for the government to take into account the impact of its policies on the most vulnerable segments of society.
CAN urged Nigerians for patience while advising government to take urgent steps to ameliorate their sufferings.
“Let us work together to build an economy that is inclusive, resilient, and offers opportunities for every Nigerian to thrive,” Okoh said.
