The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has called on the federal government to prioritize measures that will alleviate the current level of poverty and hardships experienced by Nigerians.
This followed the recent hikes in fuel prices which has significantly impacted the cost of living in the country.
CAN, in a statement signed by it President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said “while it is understandable that difficult decisions need to be made to manage the nation’s economy, they must not increase poverty” and call for immediate steps to mitigate the situation.
“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,” Okoh said.
“This has placed an enormous burden on the already struggling masses, making it extremely difficult for them to afford the basic necessities of life.”
The body recommended that the government engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions to the current situation and also calling for comprehensive economic policies that promote inclusive growth, job creation, and social well-being.
Furthermore, CAN urged the 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.
They 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 acknowledge that there is no gain without pain, the pain must not be intolerable,” Okoh said, highlighting the need for the government to consider how its policies will affect society’s most vulnerable groups.
They pleaded with Nigerians to exercise patience and urged the administration to act quickly to lessen their hardship.