Catholic Bishops raise concerns over insecurity, poverty, demand credible 2027 polls

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has renewed its concerns over insecurity, poverty, poor infrastructure and governance challenges in the country, warning that the issues continue to undermine human dignity and national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The bishops raised the concerns 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 Osun State. 

The communiqué was signed by the CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, and the Secretary of the Conference, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta Diocese.

While acknowledging efforts by government and citizens to preserve national unity, the bishops said insecurity, poverty, poor infrastructure, bad governance and violations of human dignity remained major challenges despite Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources.

They condemned the continued killings, kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining and theft of natural resources, saying the activities were depriving Nigerians of peace and threatening national cohesion.

The bishops expressed particular concern over attacks on schools and places of worship, including the abduction and killing of students and worshippers. They called on the government to intensify efforts to recover territories controlled or affected by criminal elements and restore them to productive use. 

On the proposed decentralisation of policing, the CBCN said any restructuring of the security architecture must serve the common good rather than personal, ethnic, political or religious interests.

The bishops also highlighted the plight of Nigerians still living in internally displaced persons’ camps, urging government to strengthen security in affected communities and create conditions for displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes.

Poverty, infrastructure

On the economy, the bishops called on governments at all levels to reduce poverty and ease the financial burden on struggling households.

They also criticised the state of public infrastructure, including roads, electricity and other utilities, and called for greater transparency in investment in public amenities.

The CBCN further urged government to improve railway transportation, stressing the importance of functional infrastructure to economic growth and the welfare of citizens. 

Bishops demand credible 2027 elections

The bishops devoted significant attention to the 2027 general elections, calling on political actors, electoral institutions and citizens to work towards free, fair and credible elections.

They urged eligible Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process and vote according to their conscience.

The Conference also directed dioceses and parishes across the country to undertake civic education and voter mobilisation ahead of the elections.

As part of the Church’s preparations, the bishops announced end-of-month fasting, prayers and Rosary processions from October to December 2026.

They also designated December 8, 2026, as a special national day of prayer and fasting for the success of the 2027 elections. 

Bishops’ concerns echo July meeting with Tinubu

The latest communiqué comes less than two months after the CBCN leadership met President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on July 28, where the bishops raised concerns about insecurity, economic hardship and the state of the country.

At that meeting, Tinubu defended his administration’s record, saying ongoing reforms had stabilised the country and that the restructuring of security operations would help defeat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. 

Following the meeting, Cardinal John Onaiyekan said the President disagreed with the bishops’ assessment of the economy and insecurity, according to his account of the meeting. 

The bishops’ latest communiqué, however, again called for action on insecurity, poverty and governance, while placing emphasis on the need for credible elections in 2027.

The Conference also urged Nigerians to work together towards building a peaceful and productive nation, while assuring the country of its continued prayers.