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The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has renewed its concerns over insecurity, poverty and poor governance, warning that the challenges continue to undermine the wellbeing and dignity of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The bishops made their position known in a communique issued at the end of their Second Plenary Meeting, held from September 10 to 18 at the Our Lady and St Kizito Pastoral Centre in Ede, Osun State.
The communique, signed by CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Man Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, and Secretary, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta, highlighted insecurity, poverty, poor infrastructure and what the bishops described as assaults on human dignity as major concerns.
On insecurity, the bishops condemned attacks on schools and places of worship, including the abduction and killing of students and worshippers. They also expressed concern over the continued spread of banditry, kidnapping, illegal mining and theft of natural resources.
The Conference welcomed moves by the Federal Government to decentralise the police system but stressed that any restructuring should serve the common good and not personal, ethnic, political or religious interests.
The bishops also called for stronger measures to enable millions of internally displaced persons to return safely to their ancestral communities.
On governance, the Conference urged governments at all levels to intensify efforts to reduce poverty and hardship, arguing that many Nigerians continue to struggle despite the country’s abundant human and natural resources.
They also criticised the state of public infrastructure, citing poor roads, unreliable electricity and inadequate utilities, while calling for transparent investment in public amenities and a nationwide railway network.
The latest position follows concerns the bishops raised during a July 28 meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where they presented their assessment of the country’s economic, security and political situation.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the bishops called on stakeholders to ensure free, fair and credible polls, while urging eligible Nigerians to participate actively and vote according to their conscience.
The Conference also announced plans for civic education and voter mobilisation across dioceses and parishes, alongside end-of-month fasting and prayer with rosary processions from October to December. It further declared December 8 a special national day of prayer and fasting for the success of the elections.
