By Philomina Attah
Abuja, Jan. 1, 2026 – In a powerful New Year address that moved beyond seasonal platitudes, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a direct challenge to the Federal Government, demanding a decisive shift from political promises to measurable, “lived realities” for citizens in 2026. The message, delivered by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, serves as both a moral indictment and a concrete policy roadmap, centering on the urgent resettlement of displaced communities, economic justice, and the restoration of public trust.
Archbishop Okoh framed his message by acknowledging the “quiet endurance” of Nigerians grappling with severe economic hardship and soaring living costs. However, he reframed this endurance not as contentment, but as a stark indicator of systemic failure. “This quiet endurance is not a sign that all is well,” Okoh stated. “It is, rather, a sobering reminder of the profound healing, relief, and justice that Nigeria still desperately requires. National reforms remain an academic exercise until they manifest as affordable food on the table, accessible healthcare in our clinics, and attainable education in our schools for every ordinary citizen.”
The association’s most specific and time-sensitive demand is for a clear, time-bound resettlement plan for millions displaced by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts. CAN condemned the status quo as “unjust and unacceptable,” arguing that a nation cannot claim progress while its citizens remain perpetual refugees in their own land. “Beyond temporary relief camps and palliative measures, the nation must pursue genuine restoration,” Okoh insisted. This call implies a need for more than just physical return; it demands security guarantees, rebuilding of infrastructure, and psychosocial support to heal traumatized communities—a complex undertaking the government has yet to fully articulate.
On the critical issue of insecurity, CAN pressed the government to fulfil its pledge to reduce violence to “the lowest possible levels” in 2026. This wording underscores a demand for verifiable metrics and accountability, moving beyond vague assurances. The implication is that security forces must not only degrade armed groups but also address the root causes of instability, such as unemployment and lack of opportunity, which fuel recruitment into criminality.
Economically, CAN issued a crucial warning against fiscal and tax reforms that, while potentially beneficial for macro-economic indicators, could further immiserate low-income earners and strangle small businesses. Okoh called for policies guided by “wisdom, fairness, and restraint,” advocating for an inclusive economic recovery that protects the most vulnerable. This positions CAN as a voice for distributive justice, cautioning against reforms that disproportionately burden the poor while failing to curb elite corruption and capital flight.
Elevating the discourse, Okoh identified Nigeria’s core challenges as not merely structural but fundamentally moral. He cited entrenched corruption and systemic injustice as the twin forces eroding the social contract and destroying public trust. “Leadership must be re-anchored in integrity and a genuine, sacrificial commitment to service and accountability,” he urged. This frames the governance crisis as a spiritual and ethical failure, requiring a transformation in character and priorities at all levels of authority.
Reaffirming its role as a social conscience, CAN pledged to continue “standing with the people and speaking truth to power.” The message concluded with a note of “sober hope” for 2026—a hope contingent not on optimism alone, but on demonstrable governmental action. The statement transforms a seasonal greeting into a comprehensive governance scorecard and a urgent agenda for the coming year, challenging the state to prove its legitimacy through tangible deliverables for its suffering citizens.
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
