The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, poverty and poor infrastructure, while protecting the dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians.
The bishops made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of their Second Plenary Meeting for 2026, held from September 10 to 18 at the Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede, in Osogbo Diocese, Osun State.
The CBCN expressed concern over persistent cases of violence, kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining and the invasion of schools and places of worship. It urged government to strengthen security forces, improve intelligence gathering, hold perpetrators accountable and facilitate the return of displaced communities to their ancestral homes.
The bishops also decried the rising level of poverty, saying economic hardship continues to place many families under severe pressure. They called for policies that create jobs, support local businesses and encourage private-sector participation, while urging citizens to embrace honest labour and reject corruption and criminality.
On infrastructure, the CBCN called for increased and transparent investment in roads, electricity, water supply and railway transportation across the country. It also urged citizens to protect public infrastructure from vandalism and report corruption associated with development projects.
The bishops further expressed concern over the proposed Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026, urging the National Assembly and Federal Government not to proceed with its enactment. They argued that some provisions could impose excessive government control on churches, mosques, schools and humanitarian organisations involved in providing assistance to vulnerable and conflict-affected communities.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the CBCN called on all stakeholders to work towards free, fair and credible elections. It urged eligible voters to participate actively and vote according to their conscience, while calling on dioceses and parishes to intensify civic education and voter mobilisation.
The Conference announced December 8, 2026, as a special national day of prayer and fasting for the success of the 2027 elections, with end-of-month fasting and Rosary processions scheduled from October to December.
On technology, the bishops acknowledged its potential for evangelisation and development but urged politicians and other users to deploy technology and Artificial Intelligence responsibly and ethically, particularly in the run-up to the elections.
The CBCN also reaffirmed its opposition to all forms of sexual and other violence, stressing that every human being possesses an inherent and inviolable dignity. It called on the Church and wider society to protect vulnerable people, listen to victims of abuse and promote relationships based on respect and human dignity.
The bishops also called for greater government investment in quality education, noting that education remains essential for human development, peaceful coexistence and national integration.
In conclusion, the CBCN said Nigeria’s challenges should not extinguish hope, urging citizens and leaders to work for a renewed politics centred on human dignity, moral principles, human life and the common good.