CAN urges government to make economic reforms felt by Nigerian households

The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to reduce the cost of food, transportation and energy and ensure that economic reforms produce visible improvements in household living conditions. CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh made the call in a statement issued on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. The association said the country should move beyond economic reform statistics and focus on whether prosperity was reaching ordinary citizens.

CAN called for stronger social protection for vulnerable households, including better access to education, healthcare and affordable credit. It said such programmes should be administered transparently and protected from diversion so that assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries. The association also said security required equal attention.

It argued that economic growth would remain insufficient if people could not farm, trade, travel or sleep without fear. CAN urged the government to sustain efforts to protect lives, secure communities and restore public confidence. According to the association, farmers, traders and other citizens need a safe environment to pursue their livelihoods.

It said meaningful prosperity depends on both economic relief and security. With political activity building ahead of the 2027 general elections, CAN cautioned politicians against presenting themselves as the country’s sole solution or using religion for partisan purposes. It said Christians were free to support or criticise candidates but that Jesus Christ should not be used as a political weapon.

CAN reaffirmed its non-partisan position and said it would continue to commend good governance, speak when citizens were suffering and hold public office holders to principles of justice, accountability and compassion.