Deploy “high technology” to Address Insecurity: Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops to State, Federal Governments

“More investment is needed in agriculture to facilitate the involvement of the youth in it and boost the provision of food in a sustainable manner,” they say, and explain, “With improved security and safety for farmers, there will be greater production of food and reduction in the escalated cost of food all over Nigeria.”

CBCN members also highlight other measures to make Nigeria a better country. “We request our political, religious and traditional leaders to promote the spirit of national integration in the citizenry in order to instil hope and development,” they add in their communique following the March 8-14 first 2025 Plenary Assembly that was held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) Resource Centre, Durumi Abuja.

Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops fault the closure of schools in some States for the period of Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims. They say, “We demand that those governments that ordered the closure of all schools in some parts of the country withdraw such orders in the light of the rights of the children to education and the multi-religious nature of our society.”

“We, as Church, promote integral education, health care, and agriculture for individual and national development, and we require the enabling environment to play these roles among others,” they say.

In their collective statement, CBCN members also urge Nigerians to put behind the disappointments that emanated from the 2023 general elections and “come out en masse and participate in future elections” for a better country.

They advocate for the strengthening of electoral laws and sincere execution of duties through state agents such as the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the courts to restore trust in the electoral system.

“We urge our people to refuse to be cowed to silence and helplessness, but rather insist always on doing the right thing and having it done,” CBCN members say.

They go on to laud the government for “some positive development”, which they say include “the reinvigoration of the Petroleum Industry, the rehabilitation of some dilapidated roads and the construction of new ones across the nation.”

The introduction of the student loan scheme, the new minimum wage, the reduction in the debt service-to-revenue ratio, and the proposal for a new tax regime are some of the developments Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops have commended the government for.

Other notable highlights of the CBCN communique following their first 2025 Plenary Assembly include a caution to the media against an obsession with bad news and instead foster balanced reporting that gives space and time for positive endeavours.

They have encouraged interfaith collaboration and networking, especially during the Lenten Season that has coincided with Ramadan.

CBCN members have also urged Nigerians to embark on a journey of renewal towards a better Nigeria characterized with peace and prosperity.