The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has issued a stern warning regarding the state of the nation, attributing the country’s worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and social decay to poor governance and corruption.
In a communique released at the end of their plenary assembly, the Bishops said corruption has “spread like a deadly cancer”, destroying the fabric of the nation, while politicians are more interested in power than in delivering good governance or pursuing the common good.
The Bishops lamented that Nigerians continue to endure extreme poverty, unemployment, poor healthcare, and collapsing education. They noted that insecurity, manifesting in kidnappings, killings, and dehumanisation, remains rampant, pushing many youths into crime and fueling brain drain.
They called for urgent reforms in the health and education sectors, stressing that the mass exodus of healthcare professionals, medical tourism, poor infrastructure, and teacher shortages require immediate government attention.
On moral and faith issues, the Bishops expressed alarm over the growing demand for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in Nigeria, describing it as “gravely immoral” because it undermines the dignity of human life. They reaffirmed the Church’s position that IVF separates the unitive and procreative aspects of marriage and often leads to the destruction of human embryos.
The Bishops also decried what they called a “resurgence of idolatry and awkward practices” among Nigerian youths disguised as a return to African traditional religion, warning that such practices exploit human spirituality but enslave rather than liberate.
They urged parents, teachers, and priests to guide young people with discipline, sound formation, and authentic Christian witness, while also cautioning against the misuse of technology. The Bishops noted that smartphones have exposed many youths to pornography, cybercrime, and addiction, urging stronger digital literacy and monitoring.
In tackling Nigeria’s democratic challenges, the Bishops demanded comprehensive electoral reforms to guarantee the electronic transmission of results and the transparent appointment of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials. They also called for intensive political education to encourage citizens’ active participation in governance.
On environmental justice, the Bishops tasked the government with taking “decisive and stringent measures” to clean up oil spills in the Niger Delta, rehabilitate affected communities, and promote sustainable agriculture to achieve food security.
While assuring Nigerians of their prayers and solidarity, the Bishops insisted that the faithful must actively participate in transforming the nation by infusing principles of truth, justice, and morality into politics, the economy, and society.
They further commended the media for amplifying the voice of the voiceless and urged journalists to uphold integrity and fairness in reporting, especially in an era of misinformation.
“The communique we have issued is not merely for Catholics or Christians, but a call to action for all Nigerians”, the Bishops said, urging citizens to work together in building a nation where justice and peace flourish.