By: Tunji Okunlola
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the government to tackle insecurity, poverty and poor governance, warning that violence, weak infrastructure and economic hardship are eroding the wellbeing of Nigerians.
The bishops also announced measures ahead of the 2027 general elections, including a national day of prayer and fasting on December 8, 2026.
They spoke in a communiqué issued at the end of their Second Plenary Meeting, held from September 10 to 18, 2026, at Our Lady and St Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede, Osun State. It was signed by the CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, and the Conference Secretary, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta.
Insecurity
The bishops expressed alarm over kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining and the theft of natural resources, which they said threaten peace and national unity. They condemned attacks on schools and places of worship and the abduction and killing of students and worshippers.
They said millions of Nigerians have been displaced into camps across the country, and urged the Federal Government to step up security efforts so that displaced people can return safely to their ancestral communities. They also called for stronger security agencies, better intelligence gathering and the prosecution of those behind criminal activities.
Citizens were urged to report suspicious activity, cooperate with security agencies and reject ethnic and religious division. The bishops renewed their call for decentralised policing, arguing that the police should serve the common good rather than personal, ethnic, political or religious interests.
Economy
The bishops called for more job creation, a business-friendly environment and policies to ease the financial burden on vulnerable Nigerians. They also urged transparent investment in roads, electricity, water supply and railways.
2027 elections
The bishops urged all stakeholders to work for free, fair and credible elections. They encouraged eligible voters to participate and to vote for qualified candidates whose values align with their conscience.
Dioceses and parishes were directed to run civic education and mobilisation programmes and to hold end-of-month fasting and prayer with Rosary processions from October to December 2026. The bishops then declared December 8, 2026, a special national day of prayer and fasting for successful elections. They also asked Catholics to study and follow the Conference’s pastoral letter on the polls.
Foreign Aid Bill
The bishops opposed the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, which they said has passed first and second reading in the National Assembly.
They argued that requirements to register foreign aid resources and submit their use to government oversight could hurt churches, mosques, schools and humanitarian groups that support vulnerable and conflict-affected communities. They singled out a provision allowing authorities to deny or refuse to renew registration if an organisation’s activities are considered “not in the national interest,” saying it would give officials broad discretion and add bureaucracy and state control over independent civic bodies.
The bishops noted that non-profits and incorporated trustees, including religious and humanitarian bodies, are already regulated by the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act and other laws. They urged the National Assembly and the Federal Government to halt the bill, citing the need to protect freedom of association, religion, thought and conscience.
Technology and AI
The bishops said technology is not inherently evil but is not neutral in its use either. They urged Nigerians to use it responsibly to support evangelisation, knowledge creation and national development, and called on politicians and other users to observe ethical standards in deploying artificial intelligence, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.
Other matters
The bishops congratulated the Conference’s Vice President, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos, on his appointment to the Dicastery for Evangelisation, Section for First Evangelisation and New Particular Churches.
They reiterated their call for politics rooted in moral principles, respect for human life and dignity, and the pursuit of the common good, adding that “all hope is not lost.”
Discover more from CLARITYNEWSNG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
