As Nigeria entered the year 2026 on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the country’s umbrella body for Christian denominations, called for deep national renewal, responsible leadership, and governance that places the welfare of citizens at its core.
In a New Year message signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who heads the Christian Association of Nigeria, the organisation reflected on what it described as a turbulent period for Africa’s most populous nation, acknowledging divine mercy for sustaining the country through economic, social, and security challenges.
Okay News reports that CAN said the preceding year was characterised by widespread economic hardship, rising living costs, insecurity, and persistent uncertainty, conditions that placed immense pressure on Nigerian families and communities across the federation.
According to the association, the resilience displayed by citizens throughout the difficulties should not be misinterpreted as evidence of national wellbeing, but rather as a warning signal requiring urgent attention from those in authority.
“The year behind us was a difficult one for many Nigerians. Economic hardship, rising living costs, insecurity, and uncertainty placed enormous strain on families and communities.
“These realities cannot be ignored or explained away. The quiet endurance of our people is not a sign that all is well; rather, it is a reminder of how much healing, relief, and justice our nation still needs,” the statement emphasised.
The Christian body further stressed that ongoing national conversations about reforms, recovery, and economic growth must move beyond rhetoric and result in tangible improvements in the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
“As the nation continues to speak about reforms, recovery, and growth, CAN affirms that progress must translate into lived realities.
“Economic advancement must be evident in the daily lives of citizens—when food is affordable, healthcare is accessible, education is attainable, and meaningful work is available. Development that does not touch ordinary lives remains incomplete,” it added.
CAN urged political leaders to work towards building a Nigeria where families live with dignity, young people can plan their futures with confidence, and communities are no longer trapped in cycles of fear and instability.
The association also highlighted the importance of compassion-driven public policies, stressing that governance should reflect responsibility, fairness, and a sincere commitment to protecting the poor and vulnerable segments of society.
On national security, CAN expressed deep concern over the continued presence of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime, noting that these threats have destroyed livelihoods, displaced entire communities, and deepened social trauma across several regions of Nigeria.
While expressing hope that the Federal Government of Nigeria would fulfil its commitments to reducing insecurity, CAN called for a clear, time-bound strategy for resettling citizens displaced by prolonged violence.
It described the prolonged displacement of communities from their ancestral homes as unjust, stressing that beyond emergency relief, affected populations must be safely returned with dignity through rebuilt infrastructure and guaranteed security.
Addressing Nigeria’s fiscal and tax reforms, the association urged policymakers to act with wisdom, restraint, and fairness, warning that poorly designed economic measures could further intensify hardship for struggling households.
It called for deliberate policies to protect small businesses, low-income earners, and rural communities, noting that inclusive recovery remains essential for national stability.
CAN also drew attention to Nigeria’s moral challenges, including corruption, injustice, and social division, which it said continue to erode public trust in leadership and public institutions.
The association urged leaders at all levels of government to demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a genuine spirit of service, emphasising that national renewal demands moral courage alongside technical competence.
Reaffirming its mission, CAN pledged to continue standing with Nigerians, speaking truth with love, and sustaining hope during difficult times.
Despite the challenges, the Christian body expressed confidence that Nigeria can achieve justice, peace, and restoration through responsible leadership, unity, and collective resolve, expressing cautious optimism that 2026 would usher in healing, stability, and shared progress.
