AFRICA/NIGERIA - Bishops: "Need to diversify the economy in order to avoid our young people to migrate to Europe"

Monday, 28 September 2015 episcopal conferences economy politics

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Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - "Nigerian economy is in distress. (...) More and more Nigerians are now struggling or are unable to provide the basic needs for their families", say the Bishops of Nigeria in a statement sent to Agenzia Fides, drawn up at the end of their second Plenary Assembly. "Unemployment, say the Bishops, is growing beyond control, leaving many of our citizens, especially the younger ones, to migrate, both locally and to other countries. This exposes them to inhuman conditions, including different forms of immorality and criminality. In many cases, young promising lives are wasted on our streets, in the deserts of some African countries and on the shores of Europe".
The Bishops appreciate the desire of the government "to re-invest in the agricultural sector and to seek other alternatives to oil and gas". The Nigerian economy has been depending on oil exports for decades, while other national economic sectors, starting with agriculture, have long been neglected, with negative consequences on employment in a country of over 100 million inhabitants.
Revenues from the oil sector were also plundered by corruption (see Fides 04/09/2007). A subject on which the Bishops have repeatedly intervened. "Since it came into existence, this Conference of Bishops has constantly condemned corruption, violence and injustice and has consistently urged all Nigerians to embrace a life of transparency and service", says the message, praising the war against corruption launched by President Muhammadu Buhari (see Fides 02/09/2015). "All Nigerians should be part of this struggle, which ought to be carried out at all levels, in order that we may recover our wasted opportunities".
The Bishops express appreciation for the successes achieved in the fight against Boko Haram, allowing the gradual return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes. These people, however, require the efforts of all for the reconstruction and reconciliation. The Catholic Church, the Bishops said, will do its part.
The message concludes by inviting the faithful to pray for Nigeria, in this very delicate moment for the nation: despite the peaceful conduct of the elections in March, it must always be vigilant. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 28/09/2015)