The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to prioritize reductions in the cost of food, transportation, and energy as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary. In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said Nigerians who have endured years of economic pressure deserve to begin experiencing meaningful relief in their daily lives. The association welcomed the transition from economic reforms to an era of prosperity but emphasized that the success of the reforms should be measured by their impact on ordinary Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu had declared that Nigeria is now in the era of prosperity, having endured the tortuous reforms, during his broadcast to Nigerians on the Independence Day anniversary. CAN, however, said that while it welcomes this shift, the true test of progress is not in statistics alone but in the daily lives of citizens. The association urged the government to make lower food, transport, and energy costs a measurable priority, adding that prosperity that does not reach the ordinary Nigerian home remains incomplete.
Archbishop Okoh also called for stronger social protection for vulnerable Nigerians, including support for education, healthcare, and affordable credit. According to CAN, such interventions must be transparently administered and protected from diversion. The association emphasized that economic prosperity would remain difficult to achieve where citizens cannot farm, trade, travel, or sleep peacefully because of fear, and therefore urged the government to sustain efforts to protect lives and secure communities.
The CAN President also cautioned politicians against exploiting religion for partisan purposes, reminding them that no politician is the Messiah. The association warned against dragging the name of Jesus Christ into partisan rivalry or using it as a political weapon, reaffirming its commitment to its role as a non-partisan moral voice. CAN congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence anniversary and called for a new phase in which the promise of prosperity would translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
Meanwhile, the Borno State CAN chairman, Most Revd John Bakeni, has criticized religious leaders for exchanging their religious garments for political garments. He warned that this trend could affect the general well-being of society and emphasized that religious leaders must see themselves as vanguards of truth who bear the responsibility of speaking out when things are going wrong in society.
Bakeni noted that this year's Independence Day anniversary presented a sober celebration, given the severe hardship and insecurity in the country. He called on the government to make policies that would alleviate the suffering and hardship of the Nigerian people, stressing that there is no need for a government if its subjects are going to face hardship and poverty.
On the 2027 elections, the CAN Chairman urged Nigerians to vote for candidates based on their personal assessment, without waiting for anyone to direct them on who to vote for. He emphasized that citizens have the strongest weapon, which is their voters' card, and that they should use it to bring in leaders who will deliver the dividends of democracy and ensure that citizens live worthy lives.
Key points
- - CAN urges government to prioritize reductions in cost of food, transportation, and energy - Association calls for stronger social protection for vulnerable Nigerians - Politicians cautioned against exploiting religion for partisan purposes
