From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Mathew Ishaya Audu, has lamented the worsening economic situation in Nigeria, attributing the rise in poverty to the erosion of the middle class.
According to him, the increasing gap between the rich and the poor, coupled with high living costs and flawed policies, has left many struggling to survive.
Speaking after the Northern Bishops’ meeting in Jos, Archbishop Audu criticized the government’s approach to tackling poverty, particularly its method of food distribution.
He noted that during Christmas, government assistance was minimal, with Catholics in Plateau State receiving only ten 25kg bags of food for all dioceses. “How many families can that feed?” he asked.
He emphasized that rather than distributing food, the government should focus on security, allowing farmers to cultivate and harvest freely. “The government cannot feed everyone, but it can create an enabling environment where people can take care of their families. Citizens do not want to become beggars dependent on government handouts,” he stated.
He added that tax revenue should be directed toward development projects such as roads, water supply, and healthcare instead of temporary food relief.
Archbishop Audu acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians, stating that if not for their determination, the country would have collapsed.
However, he expressed concern that many people channel their frustrations into religious devotion instead of holding the government accountable. “Prayer is important, but it is not enough. We must speak up and let the government know our concerns,” he urged.
Addressing broader socio-political issues, he decried the growing trend of favoritism in employment and promotions based on religious affiliation rather than merit.
He noted that while persecution has existed for a long time, the situation in Plateau differs from that of Kaduna, yet both suffer from systemic bias.
The Archbishop also highlighted the persistent insecurity affecting the Jos Province, which extends to Maiduguri, Yola, Bauchi, and Shendam.
He called on state governments to take proactive steps in safeguarding lives and property. “If there’s anything we would ask for, it is for the governments in different states to ensure security,” he appealed.
Despite these challenges, Archbishop Audu expressed hope in faith and perseverance, believing that the prayers offered during the bishops’ meeting would bring blessings to Plateau State and beyond. “We are making concerted efforts to uphold faith, hope, and life, which are the most important things,” he concluded.