The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has called on the Federal Government to tackle insecurity, poverty and bad governance, warning that violence and economic hardship are undermining the welfare of Nigerians.
The bishops also declared December 8, 2026 as a national day of prayer and fasting for successful 2027 general elections. The call was contained in a communique 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.
The communique was signed by CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna and Secretary, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta.
The bishops expressed worry over kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining, theft of natural resources and attacks on schools and worship centres, including abduction and killing of students and worshippers.
They said millions of Nigerians have been displaced and are living in Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps. They urged government to strengthen security, improve intelligence gathering, prosecute criminals and create conditions for displaced persons to return home. They also asked citizens to report suspicious activities and shun ethnic and religious division.
The bishops renewed their call for decentralised policing that serves the common good, not personal or political interests.
On the economy, they called for job creation, business-friendly policies and investment in roads, electricity, water and railways to reduce burden on the poor.
For the 2027 elections, the CBCN urged stakeholders to ensure free, fair and credible polls. It asked eligible voters to participate and vote according to their conscience.
The Conference directed dioceses and parishes to carry out civic education and to hold end-of-month fasting, prayers and Rosary processions from October to December 2026. December 8 was declared special national day of prayer and fasting for the elections.
The bishops also kicked against the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, which has passed first and second reading at the National Assembly.
They said the bill, which seeks registration of foreign aid and government supervision of its use, could affect churches, mosques, schools and humanitarian groups helping vulnerable communities.
They faulted a clause allowing authorities to deny registration where activities are considered not in national interest, saying it gives wide discretionary powers to officials and creates excessive control over civic organisations.
They noted that non-profits and incorporated trustees are already regulated by the Corporate Affairs Commission under CAMA and other laws, and urged the National Assembly to stop the bill to protect freedom of association and religion.
On technology, the bishops said technology is not evil but not neutral, urging Nigerians to use it responsibly for evangelisation and development. They asked politicians to observe ethical standards in using artificial intelligence, especially ahead of 2027.
The bishops congratulated their 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 called for politics anchored on moral values, respect for human life and pursuit of common good, adding that “all hope is not lost.”
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