The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has expressed worry over the socio-economic problems facing the country calling on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address them.

The conference in a communiqué last weekend at the end of its meeting in the Plateau State capital cited constant power failure, armed robbery, kidnapping, neglect of the agricultural sector and others, as issues of concern which should be looked into.

It stressed the need to give priority to the agricultural sector to cushion the effect of the global food crisis on Nigerians.

It commended President Umar Yar'Adua's administration whose one year in office has brought improved peace, unity, fairness and respect for rule of law and better religious co-existence.

The conference called on the president to concentrate on his seven-point agenda which it believed would result in socio-economic development and political stability.

It advocated a sustained fight against corruption at all levels of society for a better Nigeria while calling for commitment in the implementation of poverty alleviation or economic development programmes like NAPEP and NEEDS.

The communique noted that Nigeria must brace up to the challenges of globalization by pursuing the millennium development goals (MDGs) with seriousness to bring about marked improvement in the standard of living of the people.

It observed the better religious understanding arising from dialogue between Christians and Muslims in parts of the country requesting that such dialogue be extended to other parts for better religious harmony.