The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has challenged the Federal Government to ensure that the gains of its economic reforms translate into real relief for Nigerians, saying prosperity must be felt in every home.
CAN, in an Independence Day message signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary but said the celebration must also be an opportunity to address the economic and security challenges confronting citizens.
The association said the real measure of progress was not government statistics but whether families could afford food, young Nigerians could find decent jobs, communities could live safely and children could have equal opportunities to build their future.
CAN urged the government to make the reduction of food, transportation and energy costs a measurable priority.
According to the association, Nigerians who have endured years of economic pressure should begin to experience meaningful improvement in their daily lives.
“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,” CAN said.
The Christian body also demanded stronger social protection for vulnerable Nigerians, calling for improved access to education, healthcare and affordable credit.
It, however, stressed that such programmes must be transparently administered and protected from diversion.
“Prosperity that does not reach the ordinary Nigerian home remains incomplete,” the association declared.
Security key to prosperity
CAN also warned that economic prosperity would remain elusive without improved security across the country.
It said Nigerians could not meaningfully participate in economic activities if they were unable to farm, trade, travel or sleep peacefully because of fear.
The association therefore called for sustained government action to protect lives, secure communities and restore confidence across the country.
2027: No politician is Messiah – CAN
Ahead of the 2027 political season, CAN cautioned politicians against presenting themselves as messiahs or using Christianity as a tool for partisan mobilisation.
The association said Christians remained free to support or criticise any candidate, but warned against dragging the name of Jesus Christ into political rivalry.
“As the 2027 political season approaches, CAN again reminds all political actors that no politician is the Messiah,” it said.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to remaining a non-partisan moral voice, saying it would continue to commend what is right, speak out when citizens are hurting and hold leaders accountable to the values of justice, compassion and accountability.
The association prayed for Nigeria’s continued peace, progress and prosperity as the nation marked 66 years of independence.
