Speaking on the state of the nation following the removal of the fuel subsidy, since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared it gone, the Deputy Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria, Rev. Fr Peter Audu Babangida, has lamented the widespread hardship felt across the country.
In his address at the Caritas Day celebration held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Durumi, Abuja, Fr Babangida said, “Since May 29, 2023, Nigeria has not remained the same because the subsidy is gone.”
Referencing the widespread hardship felt across the country, the Deputy Executive Secretary explained that the removal of the subsidy has led to skyrocketing fuel prices, leaving many families struggling to afford basic necessities, including transportation and food.
He underscored the ripple effects of this policy change, particularly on education.
“Children have dropped out of school, not because parents don’t want them to go, but because they cannot afford to pay the fees,” he lamented.
The rising cost of living has forced many families into deeper financial distress, a reality that Caritas Nigeria confronts daily in its mission to alleviate suffering.
Fr Babangida painted a picture of a world in crisis, from global conflicts to local economic struggles, noting that “migration has become the order of the day.”
He linked these challenges to the theme of the recent International Eucharistic Congress in Ecuador, where Caritas delegates participated under the banner “Fraternity That Heals the World.”
He called for a renewed sense of fraternity, urging Nigerians to “find your brother in the midst of this brokenness” and offer support to those in need.
On the 14-year journey of Caritas Nigeria, whose humble beginnings date back to 2010 and its current impact across the country, the priest praised the organization’s dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment to serving the marginalized.
“Every day, our staff go out there, sacrificing their luxury, their time, their families, to bring joy and light to those who are broken,” he explained.
The celebration marked Caritas Nigeria’s service to humanity, highlighting its significant contributions in the face of Nigeria’s evolving socio-economic landscape.
The event was not just a reflection on the past but also a call to action for the future, as Fr Babangida highlighted the importance of collective effort, noting that “none of these achievements would have been possible without our combined efforts.”
Caritas Nigeria, which has been at the forefront of providing education and food security initiatives, continues to play a critical role in addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
Fr Babangida expressed his gratitude to supporters and partners, urging them to continue collaborating in the years ahead. “Together, we have worked to serve those in need. We have touched lives. We have built a more just and compassionate society.”
