The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) recently informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that numerous Christians harbor anxieties regarding their status in Nigeria. These concerns stem largely from the administration’s abandonment of the traditional Christian-Muslim presidential power-sharing arrangement. Led by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, the bishops visited the Presidential Villa to advocate for government policies that explicitly guarantee the constitutional rights of Christians as equal citizens.
Beyond religious representation, the leadership voiced alarm over the narrowing political landscape and the potential emergence of a one-party state. They challenged the administration to foster a fair environment for all political entities, warning that the 2027 general elections must be transparent to avoid national instability. The bishops emphasized that public trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission has declined, necessitating credible electoral processes where voter choices are accurately reflected.
Regarding national security and the economy, the CBCN acknowledged minor successes in counter-kidnapping efforts but noted that banditry and terrorism continue to plague daily life. They characterized the current economic situation as dire, citing high living costs and inadequate infrastructure, and suggested that many citizens have yet to experience the promised improvements under the current leadership. While they praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, they expressed opposition to restrictions on private university development.
Finally, the bishops requested that the President invite Pope Francis to Nigeria to promote peace. They also petitioned for the return of mission-owned schools to their original administrators and urged the government to ensure that religious freedom, as recently affirmed by the Supreme Court, is applied consistently to Christians in the northern states who struggle with land access for worship centers.
