The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to ensure that the country’s economic recovery translates into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
CAN made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The association congratulated Nigerians on the anniversary and said the country needed to move into a new phase where the promise of prosperity would be reflected in the daily lives of citizens.
According to CAN, the true measure of progress should go beyond economic statistics to whether families can afford food, young people can secure decent jobs, communities can live safely and children have equal opportunities to build their future.
The association urged the government to make reductions in the cost of food, transportation and energy measurable priorities, stressing that Nigerians who had endured years of economic hardship deserved meaningful relief.
It also called for stronger social protection programmes for vulnerable Nigerians, including improved access to education, healthcare and affordable credit.
CAN said such interventions must be transparently administered and protected from diversion, noting that prosperity that failed to reach ordinary households remained incomplete.
On security, the association urged sustained efforts to protect lives and communities, saying Nigerians must be able to farm, trade, travel and sleep peacefully without fear.
The association also cautioned political actors ahead of the 2027 elections against using Christianity and the name of Jesus Christ as instruments of partisan rivalry.
“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,” CAN said.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to remaining a non-partisan moral voice by commending what is right and speaking out when citizens are hurting.
It said it would continue to hold leaders to the values of justice, accountability and compassion as Nigeria progresses.
