The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said the success of the Federal Government’s economic reforms should ultimately be measured by whether ordinary Nigerians experience improvements in their daily lives.
The association made the position known in an Independence Day statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Thursday, October 1, as Nigeria marked 66 years of independence.
CAN acknowledged the government’s economic reform efforts but said improvements in economic indicators would not be sufficient if families continued to struggle with the cost of food, transportation and energy.
“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.
“It is whether families can afford food, young people can find decent work, communities can live in safety, and every child has a fair opportunity to build a future,” the statement read.
The association urged the Federal Government to make reductions in the cost of essential goods and services a measurable priority, arguing that Nigerians who had endured prolonged economic pressure needed to see tangible changes in their living conditions.
“Nigerians who have endured years of economic pressure deserve to begin seeing meaningful relief in their daily lives,” the association said.
CAN also advocated stronger social protection for vulnerable households, including improved access to education, healthcare and affordable credit.
It stressed that such programmes must be transparently managed and protected from diversion to ensure that assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.
READ ALSO: Independence Day: Tinubu Defends Reforms, Declares ‘Age Of Prosperity’
“Prosperity that does not reach the ordinary Nigerian home remains incomplete,” the association stated.
Beyond the economy, CAN identified insecurity as another major obstacle to national development, saying citizens must be able to farm, trade and travel without fear.
“Security must receive equal attention. There can be no meaningful prosperity where citizens cannot farm, trade, travel or sleep peacefully because of fear,” CAN said.
The association said sustained efforts to protect lives, secure communities and restore public confidence were necessary for economic progress to have a meaningful impact.
With political activities expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, CAN also cautioned political actors against presenting themselves as the answer to all of Nigeria’s challenges.
“As the 2027 political season approaches, CAN again reminds all political actors that no politician is the Messiah.
“Christians are free to support or criticise any candidate, but the name of Jesus Christ must not be dragged into partisan rivalry or used as a political weapon,” the statement read.
Okoh said CAN would continue to maintain its non-partisan position while speaking on issues affecting Nigerians and demanding accountability from those in public office.
“CAN remains committed to its role as a non-partisan moral voice; commending what is right, speaking when citizens are hurting and holding leaders to the values of justice, accountability and compassion,” Okoh said.
The association concluded its anniversary message with a prayer for the country, stating, “God bless Nigeria.”