Communiqué from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria: A Call for Unity and Common Good
Introduction
From February 19 to 26, 2026, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria gathered for their First Plenary Meeting at the CSN Resource Centre in Abuja. This significant gathering offered an opportunity for deep reflection and discussion on various challenges facing both the Church and the nation. The resulting communiqué addresses essential topics ranging from the shared religious practices during Lent and Ramadan to pressing social issues and the importance of responsible leadership.
Lent: A Time for Reflection and Unity
This year’s Lent coincides with Ramadan, an alignment that the Catholic Bishops see as a divine call to promote harmony and understanding between religious communities. They encourage all believers, regardless of their faith, to enhance their prayer lives, engage in charitable acts, and embrace a spirit of repentance. This shared period of reflection is an ideal moment for fostering mutual respect and cooperation towards building a cohesive society.
Understanding the Common Good
The Bishops emphasized the concept of the Common Good, which stems from the belief that humanity is designed for communal living, much like the Trinity. This principle posits that individual well-being is interconnected with the welfare of the community. Promoting the Common Good requires respecting the dignity and rights of every person and ensuring that social conditions allow all individuals to thrive. The teachings of Pope Saint John XXIII reinforce this idea, stating that maintaining personal rights and duties is essential for achieving the Common Good.
Leadership for the Common Good
Responsible citizenship is essential, according to the Bishops. Participation in political life is not just a right but a moral obligation stemming from one’s commitment to Christian values. They call on all Christians to become active contributors to political discourse, highlighting that true leadership should prioritize the Common Good over personal or partisan interests. The role of public authorities is pivotal; they must ensure access to basic needs—such as food, shelter, and education—while also maintaining peace and justice.
Addressing National Concerns
Insecurity and Loss of Lives
A major concern raised by the Bishops is Nigeria’s persistent insecurity, marked by tragic incidents of violence and loss of life. They commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative to declare a national security emergency, which includes increasing the recruitment of security personnel and stepping up military efforts against terrorism. Nevertheless, the Bishops express concern about ongoing attacks, massacres, and the fear that prevents many citizens, particularly farmers, from participating in daily life.
They urge the government to adopt advanced technology for surveillance and intelligence gathering, emphasizing that a swift legal response to those involved in terrorism and banditry is crucial. The impression of government complicity due to delayed justice needs addressing to restore public trust.
Socio-Economic Challenges
While Nigeria is endowed with abundant natural resources, years of mismanagement have led to widespread economic sabotage. Trillions of Naira are lost annually to illegal activities that undermine the nation’s economic potential. The Bishops advocate for stronger governmental measures to combat illegal mining and financial crimes. They emphasize that prioritizing local agriculture and providing necessary support for farmers will foster food security, rather than relying on food imports.
The Dangers of Poor Leadership
The Bishops attributed many of Nigeria’s ongoing challenges to a lack of effective leadership. They criticize the manipulation of political processes and the associated electoral malpractices that undermine democracy. These actions erode trust in governance and contribute to increased voter apathy. Notably, the recent elections saw only 23% voter participation, starkly down from previous years. To restore confidence, they call for genuine electoral reform, including the real-time transmission of election results, ensuring every vote counts.
Celebrating Moments in Faith
The Bishops highlighted notable events within the Church, such as the Special Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, which runs until January 10, 2027. This initiative encourages spiritual renewal among the faithful, embodying the virtues of humility and service to others. The Bishops also congratulated various dioceses on significant milestones, signaling a time of growth and celebration within the Church community.
Election of New CBCN Leadership
The Plenary Assembly included elections for new officers within the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). The Bishops welcomed the new leadership team, featuring Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso as President. They expressed gratitude to previous leaders for their contributions and wished the new officers a fruitful tenure.
Conclusion: A Call to Hope
In closing, the Bishops emphasized that a better Nigeria is achievable if all citizens actively contribute to societal improvement. They encourage a collective effort centered on serving the Common Good, which is an essential aspect of the Christian faith. As they invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, they express belief in the nation’s potential for transformation through unity, love, and steadfast commitment to ethical leadership.
