The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for unity, national renewal, and concrete actions to address the country’s socio-economic and security challenges. In a communiqué issued at the end of their First Plenary Meeting of 2025, held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja, the bishops emphasized the need for hope and national integration, echoing Pope Francis’ declaration of 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope.
The bishops acknowledged recent positive developments, including improvements in the petroleum industry, road infrastructure, and the introduction of a student loan scheme. However, they also raised concerns about persistent insecurity, youth unemployment, and the rising cost of living. “In spite of the numerous challenges of modern times, there is still a firm basis for hope,” they stated, urging Nigerians to embrace resilience and faith.
Addressing the political landscape, the bishops stressed the need for greater national cohesion and the protection of fundamental rights. They called on leaders to foster unity and urged the government to lift orders that have led to school closures in certain regions, arguing that education is a fundamental right.
While acknowledging disappointments in the 2023 elections, they encouraged citizens to remain engaged in the democratic process. “We call for a strengthening of electoral laws and a sincere execution of duties by state agents such as the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the courts to restore trust in the electoral system,” they said.
Security remained a major concern, with the bishops urging the government to deploy advanced technology to aid law enforcement, improve the welfare of security personnel, and ensure justice for victims of crime. They also called for increased investment in agriculture to enhance food security and economic opportunities for young people.
Reaffirming the Catholic Church’s opposition to capital punishment, the bishops appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant clemency to Sunday Jackson, whose death sentence was recently upheld by the Supreme Court.
On prison reform, they called for a shift towards rehabilitation rather than punishment, urging the government to expedite justice, decongest correctional facilities, and uphold the dignity of inmates. They also advocated for the construction of new prisons to address overcrowding.
Linking their message to the Jubilee Year of Hope, the bishops invoked biblical themes of restoration and renewal, calling on Nigerians to be “agents of change.” They warned against religious divisions and urged both Christians and Muslims to prioritize justice and truth.
“The desire for a new Nigeria must commit to truth, justice, and love. We must start with a clear call for a radical change of attitudes and a veritable spiritual revolution,” they stated.
They also encouraged the media to balance their coverage by highlighting positive developments alongside challenges, while urging government and security agencies to see journalists as partners in nation-building.
The bishops welcomed the new Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, and the new Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Leke Banjo. They also expressed condolences on the passing of Bishop Emeritus Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, OP, of Ilorin.
As the Lenten season coincides with the Muslim observance of Ramadan, the bishops extended prayers for both Christian and Muslim faithful. “May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, pilgrims of hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven, spreading the joy and peace of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, throughout the earth,” they concluded.
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