Catholic Bishops Charge Govts on Security, Citizens’ Welfare

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged governments at all levels to intensify efforts against insecurity and reduce the economic pressure facing poor Nigerians.

The bishops made the call in a communiqué issued during the closing Mass of their 2026 Second Plenary Meeting at St. Benedict Cathedral, Osogbo, Osun State, on Thursday.

The meeting, hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, took place from September 10 to 18 at Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede.

The bishops acknowledged efforts by the government and citizens to preserve national unity despite the country’s challenges. However, they expressed concern over the continued spread of insecurity, poverty, poor infrastructure, bad governance and attacks on human dignity.

According to the CBCN, killings, kidnappings and other violent attacks continue to disrupt communities and weaken economic activities across the country. The conference also addressed the government’s plan to decentralise the police system as part of efforts to improve security.

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While recognising the potential of the reform, the bishops stressed that it should serve the public interest. They warned against using the process to advance personal, ethnic, political or religious interests.

The CBCN said violence, banditry, illegal mining and the theft of natural resources remain major threats to peace and national unity. It called on the government to take stronger action against banditry and reclaim areas occupied by criminal groups. The bishops also urged authorities to ensure that recovered land is put to productive use for the benefit of communities.

Concern was also raised over attacks on schools and places of worship. The conference noted that the abduction and killing of students and worshippers remain serious threats that require urgent government intervention. The bishops further called on stakeholders to work towards credible and peaceful general elections.

Meanwhile, the Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has asked President Bola Tinubu to reverse the latest increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The forum warned that Nigerians’ patience with rising economic hardship should not be interpreted as acceptance of the situation.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Sunday Oibe, NOSCEF said another petrol price increase would place additional pressure on households already struggling with food costs, transportation fares and other essential expenses.

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The Christian elders urged the Federal Government to focus on the immediate challenges affecting citizens, including rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity and deteriorating infrastructure.

NOSCEF also advised the government to explore sustainable revenue sources rather than repeatedly increasing the cost of petroleum products.

The forum maintained that the welfare of Nigerians should remain a priority, particularly as the country approaches future elections. It said the combined effects of hunger, insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure and falling purchasing power have created serious uncertainty for many households.

NOSCEF consequently called for measures that would lower living costs, strengthen household purchasing power and create productive opportunities for young Nigerians.

The group also urged faster action on security and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure across the country.

Source: Guardian News.

 

 

 

 

 

Content Credit: Adeyemi Esther

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