RismadarVoice Reporters
September 19, 2026
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has raised fresh concerns over insecurity, worsening economic hardship and inadequate infrastructure across the country, calling on governments at all levels to intensify efforts to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
The bishops outlined their 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, Osun State.
The communiqué was jointly signed by CBCN President and Archbishop of Kaduna, Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, and the conference secretary and Bishop of Abeokuta, Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo.
BISHOPS DEMAND STRONGER SECURITY RESPONSE
On insecurity, the bishops acknowledged ongoing moves towards decentralising Nigeria’s policing system but cautioned that any restructuring must serve the public interest rather than personal, ethnic, political or religious interests.
They expressed concern over persistent cases of kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining and violence, as well as the exploitation and alleged theft of the country’s natural resources.
The CBCN particularly called for stronger government action against banditry and urged authorities to recover areas being used for criminal activities and restore them to productive use.
The bishops also highlighted attacks on schools and places of worship and the displacement of communities, calling for stronger security measures that would enable displaced Nigerians to safely return to their homes.
They urged authorities to strengthen security agencies, improve intelligence gathering and ensure accountability for criminal activities.
Citizens were also encouraged to report suspicious activities, cooperate with security agencies and reject attempts to deepen ethnic or religious divisions.
POVERTY, COST OF LIVING RAISE CONCERN
Turning to the economy, the bishops said many Nigerian families were struggling to meet basic needs despite the country’s substantial human and natural resources.
They called on federal and state governments to expand employment opportunities, support local businesses and pursue economic policies capable of reducing the financial pressure on poor and vulnerable households.
The CBCN also urged governments to create conditions that would encourage greater private-sector participation in economic development.
At the same time, the bishops encouraged Nigerians to support local enterprises, embrace legitimate economic activities and reject corruption and criminality.
ROADS, POWER, WATER ALSO IN FOCUS
The conference identified inadequate infrastructure as another major obstacle to economic growth and improved living standards.
It cited deteriorating roads, unreliable electricity and deficiencies in public utilities as areas requiring greater government attention.
The bishops called for transparent investment in infrastructure, rehabilitation of critical roads, more reliable electricity supply and improved access to clean water.
They also advocated expansion of Nigeria’s railway network, arguing that stronger rail connectivity could improve movement and economic activity across the country.
While acknowledging efforts by governments and citizens to maintain national unity and address some of the country’s challenges, the CBCN maintained that insecurity, poverty, inadequate infrastructure, governance problems and threats to human dignity remain significant concerns requiring sustained action.
