RismadarVoice Reporters
October 1, 2026
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that its promise of economic prosperity translates into measurable improvements in the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in an Independence Day message as Nigeria marked its 66th anniversary on Thursday.
Okoh said the association welcomed the government’s emphasis on moving from economic reforms towards prosperity, but maintained that the impact of government policies should ultimately be measured by the experiences of households and communities.
He said Nigerians should be able to feel economic progress through more affordable food, transportation and energy, greater employment opportunities, improved security and better prospects for children.
“We welcome the shift from an era of economic reforms to an era of prosperity. But the true test of progress is not in statistics alone,” Okoh said.
He added that progress should be reflected in whether families can afford necessities, young people can secure decent employment, and communities can live safely.
CAN called on the government to make reductions in the cost of food, transportation and energy measurable priorities, saying households that have endured economic pressure should begin to experience meaningful relief.
The association also called for stronger support for vulnerable families and improved access to education, healthcare and affordable credit.
It stressed that such interventions should be transparently administered and protected against diversion.
On insecurity, CAN said economic prosperity would be difficult to achieve where citizens could not safely farm, trade, travel or carry out their daily activities.
The association therefore called for sustained efforts to strengthen security and provide an environment in which individuals and businesses could operate without fear.
CAN also addressed the approaching 2027 political season, cautioning political actors against using Christianity as an instrument of partisan campaigning.
The association said Christians were free to support or criticise candidates according to their individual convictions but warned against portraying political figures as religious saviours.
“No politician is the Messiah,” CAN said, adding that the name of Jesus Christ should not be deployed as a political weapon.
The Christian body reaffirmed its non-partisan position, saying it would continue to commend actions it considers beneficial to society while demanding accountability, justice and compassion from those in authority.
CAN also urged Nigerians to remain committed to peace, unity and national development as the country marked 66 years of independence.
