The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts between religious bodies and the Nigerian government to resolve the nation’s deepening insecurity and economic turmoil.
Speaking during the Third Session of the Twelfth Synod of the Diocese of Abuja held at St. Philip’s Anglican Church on Saturday in Abuja, Archbishop Ndukuba congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his two-year tenure, acknowledging ongoing reform efforts and notable strides in infrastructure development.
He also praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his performance in enhancing Abuja’s administration.
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However, the Archbishop stressed that the country remains plagued by widespread poverty, food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and systemic corruption, despite ongoing initiatives.
Addressing the persistent insecurity in the nation, he said:
“From insurgency in the North-East to rampant banditry across other regions, violent threats continue to cripple agriculture and mining, leading to reduced output, lower national revenue, and worsening poverty.”
Archbishop Ndukuba urged political and institutional stakeholders to take decisive actions aimed at curbing inflation, stabilizing the naira, and overhauling national security frameworks.
He called for bolstering the capabilities of Nigeria’s military and police, unveiling the financiers behind criminal networks, and reforming the judiciary to uphold justice and accountability.
“Without peace and security, there can be no sustainable economic growth. For Nigeria to thrive, all sectors—including religious and civil society organizations—must work hand-in-hand with the government,” he said.
Highlighting the economy’s fragile state, the cleric referenced recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which revealed that inflation rose to 24.23% in March 2025—up from 23.18% in February.
He attributed this trend to rising energy prices, exchange rate instability, and continued insecurity, particularly in food-producing areas.
While acknowledging some improvement in currency exchange rates, Ndukuba urged both fiscal and monetary authorities to intensify measures aimed at strengthening the naira and ensuring economic stability.
He also advocated for a review of Nigeria’s trade policies and stressed the vulnerabilities of a mono-product economy overly reliant on crude oil exports, especially in light of global oil price declines.
Finally, Archbishop Ndukuba encouraged Nigerians to show resilience amid hardship and called on citizens to abandon false idols and turn wholeheartedly to God for guidance and healing.
“Only through spiritual renewal, justice, and collaboration can Nigeria overcome the challenges it faces,” he concluded.
(NAN)
