2024: Nigerians Are Struggling To Breathe – Cleric Warns FG, State Govt

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Martins, has called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government and all political leaders to address the challenges facing Nigerians, including the high cost of essential commodities, insecurity, and the loss in the value of the naira.

VerseNews reports that the Archbishop emphasized the need for policies that would alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, urging the government to listen to the cries of the impoverished masses.

He also called for a reduction in the high cost of governance, avoidance of unnecessary travels, and prudent living by government officials.

The Archbishop encouraged Nigerians to cooperate with their leaders for peace and economic stability in the New Year.

He said, “The increase in pump price of petroleum products and the drastic loss in the value of the naira, among other factors, have grossly affected the purchasing power of most Nigerians who are finding it increasingly difficult to survive.

“This alongside insecurity in the country has pushed the best brains in the country to yield to the Japa syndrome. Those of us who remain are struggling to breathe, as they say. This is unacceptable. As we begin the year 2024, we call on government, at all levels, to focus on policies that would help to rejig the economy and bring solace to the impoverished masses. Government must listen to the cries of poor Nigerians.

“Oftentimes, political expediency and patronage militate against even good policies. So, we expect that if President Tinubu wishes to write his name in gold, he must begin to employ all resources available, human and material, and not allow politics and political expediency to stand in the way of common good and the welfare of the majority. All that Nigerians are asking for are policies that would bring down the high cost of foodstuff, reduce transportation costs, and provide gainful employment for the jobless, especially the youths.”