Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka, a prominent Catholic priest, has voiced his concerns over the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, driven in part by rising fuel prices. Speaking during the inauguration of a new fuel station, Blessed Omemma Oil and Gas Limited, in Enugu State on Wednesday, November 6, Father Mbaka highlighted the need for urgent intervention by both the government and citizens.
In his address, Father Mbaka emphasized the challenges posed by the high cost of fuel, noting that this situation has worsened Nigeria’s cost of living crisis. “If we are not careful, what we are experiencing now is only the beginning of a hunger stage. A full-blown famine may come next,” he cautioned.
Father Mbaka urged Nigerians to pray for the country, stating, “More prayers are needed for Nigeria to be well. The government knows what to do to ease this burden, but we must support them with prayers.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has raised fuel prices several times in recent weeks, which has sparked public frustration as it contributes to the rising cost of goods and transportation. Father Mbaka called on the government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to take prompt and decisive actions to address these economic pressures.
He also touched on the minimum wage issue, suggesting that politicians, including governors and lawmakers, should earn the same wage as ordinary Nigerians. “Why should politicians receive allowances for everything from sitting to wardrobe? If they earned what the average Nigerian does, maybe they would understand the challenges people are facing,” he remarked.
