The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to make reducing food, transport and energy costs a measurable priority.
CAN said Nigerians who have endured years of economic hardship deserve tangible relief.
In an Independence Day message marking Nigeria’s 66th anniversary, the religious body said the country must move beyond economic reform statistics to an era where prosperity translates into improved living conditions for ordinary citizens.
The association said the true measure of progress should include families being able to afford food, young people finding decent jobs, communities living in safety and children having equal opportunities to build their future.
The statement, signed by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, also called for stronger social protection for vulnerable Nigerians.
He urged the government to strengthen support for vulnerable families, education, healthcare and affordable credit, while ensuring such interventions are transparently administered and protected from diversion.
Okoh said prosperity would remain incomplete if its benefits did not reach ordinary Nigerian households.
On security, the association said there could be no meaningful prosperity in an environment where citizens were unable to farm, trade, travel or sleep peacefully because of fear.
CAN therefore urged sustained efforts to protect lives, secure communities and restore public confidence across the country.
As political activities build ahead of the 2027 general elections, CAN cautioned politicians against dragging religion into partisan contests.
The association reminded political actors that “no politician is the Messiah”, stressing that Christians were free to support or criticise any candidate.
The CAN boss also warned against using the name of Jesus Christ as a political weapon or for partisan rivalry.
He reaffirmed its commitment to remaining a non-partisan moral voice by commending what is right, speaking when citizens are hurting and holding leaders to the values of justice, accountability and compassion.
—By Gbenga Omokhunu
