Nigeria @66: Make prosperity felt in every home, CAN urges FG

The Christian Association of Nigeria has called upon the Federal Government to prioritize reducing costs in food, transportation, and energy, enhance social protection, and bolster security, emphasizing that the gains from economic reforms must be felt by every Nigerian household. In a statement marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, the association’s President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, highlighted the need for economic growth to translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens.

He stated that while the government has shifted from an era of economic reforms to one focused on prosperity, the true measure of progress lies in whether families can afford necessities, individuals can secure decent employment, communities can enjoy safety, and every child has equal opportunities to thrive.

CAN urged the government to treat reducing the cost of essential goods and services as a top priority, noting that Nigerians who have faced economic hardships for years deserve concrete relief. The association also advocated for stronger social protection measures, ensuring that vulnerable households receive accessible education, healthcare, and affordable credit in a transparent manner.

According to CAN, meaningful prosperity cannot exist if it remains confined to the privileged few, and called for diligent administration of social protection programs to prevent misuse. On security, the Christian body stressed that sustained efforts to safeguard lives, communities, and public confidence are crucial, warning that economic growth alone is insufficient without a safe environment for citizens to pursue their livelihoods.

They emphasized that security is indispensable for enabling farmers, traders, and others to conduct their activities without fear, fostering genuine prosperity.

As political campaigns intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, CAN cautioned politicians against making grandiose claims of being the sole solution to Nigeria’s challenges or exploiting religion for partisan gains. The association reminded all political actors not to misuse the name of Christ as a tool for electoral advantage, urging them to uphold the principles of justice, accountability, and compassion.

Archbishop Okoh reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to maintain a non-partisan stance while advocating for citizens’ rights and holding public officials accountable to ethical standards. In his closing remarks, the Archbishop prayed for Nigeria’s future, concluding that "God bless Nigeria."