CAN Marks Nigeria at 66 With Call for Cheaper Food, Energy and Better Security
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to bring down the cost of food, transportation and energy, reinforce social protection and step up security, arguing that the gains of economic reforms have to be felt in ordinary households.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, to mark Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary.
According to the association, the country has to move past reform figures and enter a period in which prosperity is visible in the everyday experience of Nigerians.
"We welcome the shift from an era of economic reforms to an era of prosperity. But the true test of progress is not in statistics alone. It is whether families can afford food, young people can find decent work, communities can live in safety, and every child has a fair opportunity to build a future," the statement said.
CAN asked the government to treat the reduction of food, transport and energy costs as a priority that can be measured, noting that citizens who have withstood years of economic strain are entitled to concrete relief.
"Nigerians who have endured years of economic pressure deserve to begin seeing meaningful relief in their daily lives," the association said.
The body also pressed for stronger social protection for vulnerable households, listing better access to education, healthcare and affordable credit among the measures needed.
Such interventions, CAN added, must be run transparently and shielded from diversion so that the people they are meant for actually receive them.
"Prosperity that does not reach the ordinary Nigerian home remains incomplete," the association stated.
Turning to security, CAN said economic growth would count for little if citizens cannot carry out their daily activities without fear.
It urged the government to keep up efforts to protect lives, secure communities and rebuild public confidence nationwide.
"Security must receive equal attention. There can be no meaningful prosperity where citizens cannot farm, trade, travel or sleep peacefully because of fear," CAN said.
The association stressed that farmers, traders and other citizens need a safe environment in which to earn a living, describing security as central to any meaningful prosperity.
With political activity building ahead of the 2027 general elections, CAN warned politicians against portraying themselves as the answer to the country's problems or dragging religion into partisan contests.
"As the 2027 political season approaches, CAN again reminds all political actors that no politician is the Messiah. Christians are free to support or criticise any candidate, but the name of Jesus Christ must not be dragged into partisan rivalry or used as a political weapon," the statement read.
CAN restated its commitment to staying non-partisan while commenting on matters that affect citizens and holding public office holders to justice, accountability and compassion.
"CAN remains committed to its role as a non-partisan moral voice; commending what is right, speaking when citizens are hurting and holding leaders to the values of justice, accountability and compassion," Okoh said.
The association closed its anniversary message with a prayer for the country, saying, "God bless Nigeria."
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