The Christian Association of Nigeria has said many Nigerians no longer measure economic hardship through official figures and statistics, but through painful daily experiences such as skipped meals, unpaid school fees, failed businesses and sleepless nights.
The Christian body made the observation in its Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslims across the country, calling on leaders at all levels to show sacrifice, compassion and sincerity in addressing the growing hardship facing citizens.
The message was signed by the President of CAN, Daniel Okoh, who said the Islamic festival should serve as a period of reflection, sacrifice, faith and obedience to God.
According to the association, the celebration comes at a difficult moment in Nigeria’s history when millions of citizens are struggling with rising living costs, insecurity and uncertainty about the future.
CAN noted that while Eid-el-Kabir is widely known for celebration and sacrifice, the deeper meaning of the occasion should remind leaders of their responsibility to serve the people with honesty and compassion.
The statement said many Nigerian families are facing severe economic pressure as food prices continue to rise and incomes remain low.
“Currently, many Nigerians do not assess hardship through statistics but through the reality of missed meals, unpaid school fees, shuttered businesses, and sleepless nights,” the statement read.
The association added that farmers in several parts of the country are abandoning their farms because of insecurity, while many small businesses are collapsing under economic pressure.
It also expressed concern over the growing anxiety among young Nigerians, many of whom are worried about unemployment, rising costs and uncertainty over their future.
According to CAN, insecurity remains a major challenge in several communities across the country, making life difficult for residents and affecting economic activities.
The association said the difficult situation facing citizens makes the message of Eid-el-Kabir even more important at this time.
CAN stressed that sacrifice should not only be expected from ordinary Nigerians who are already struggling to survive, but also from leaders in government, politics, business, religious organisations and security agencies.
It said leaders must demonstrate sacrifice through integrity, moderation, service and visible commitment to improving the welfare of the people.
“Sacrifice should not solely be a burden borne by ordinary citizens; leadership must also embody sacrifice through integrity, moderation, service, compassion, and a visible commitment to the welfare of the populace,” the statement added.
The Christian body further urged leaders to stop blame-shifting and selfish politics and instead focus on restoring public trust and reducing the suffering of Nigerians.
According to the association, many citizens have become tired of repeated promises without visible improvement in their living conditions.
“Nigerians require tangible hope, not mere promises that have lost their credibility,” CAN stated.
The group said rebuilding public trust would require practical action and not just speeches or political statements.
It added that Nigerians want leaders who listen to their concerns, respond with concrete action and are willing to share in the sacrifices being experienced daily by ordinary people.
The Eid-el-Kabir celebration, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important religious events in Islam. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before God provided a ram as a substitute.
The celebration is marked by prayers, charity, visits to family members and the sharing of food with neighbours and the less privileged.
In Nigeria, the festival is usually celebrated with large gatherings, travel, feasting and acts of charity. However, rising inflation and economic hardship have affected preparations for this year’s celebration in many parts of the country.
Prices of food items, rams and transportation have increased sharply in recent months, making it difficult for many families to celebrate in the usual way.
Several market surveys across the country have shown that the prices of essential goods have continued to rise following the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira by the Federal Government.
Since the introduction of the economic reforms, Nigerians have faced increases in transport fares, electricity tariffs and food prices.
While the Federal Government has defended the reforms as necessary steps to stabilise the economy in the long term, many citizens have complained about the immediate hardship caused by the policies.
Labour unions, civil society groups and religious organisations have repeatedly called on the government to provide stronger relief measures for struggling families.
In recent months, both Christian and Muslim leaders have continued to appeal to the government to tackle insecurity, reduce inflation and create more opportunities for young people.
CAN’s latest message reflects growing concerns among religious and community leaders over the worsening economic situation in the country.
The association also used the Eid message to encourage Nigerians not to lose hope despite the challenges facing the country.
It urged citizens to continue supporting one another and promoting peace, unity and religious tolerance during the festive period.
CAN further prayed for peace, stability and economic recovery in the country, expressing hope that leaders would respond positively to the cries of suffering Nigerians.