NIGERIA — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for responsible and ethical use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), while urging the government to intensify efforts to address insecurity, poverty and poor infrastructure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The bishops made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of their Second Plenary Meeting for 2026, held from September 10 to 18 at the Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede, Osun State.
The communiqué, signed by the CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, and the Secretary, Most Rev. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, Bishop of Abeokuta, addressed issues affecting the Catholic Church and the Nigerian state.
Bishops Urge Ethical Use of AI
On technology, the bishops said it was a profoundly human reality linked to autonomy and freedom, but stressed that its use must be guided by ethical responsibility.
“Technology is not inherently evil or antagonistic to humanity, but it is never neutral,” the bishops stated, referencing Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.
They urged politicians and other stakeholders to exercise responsibility and ethics in deploying technology and artificial intelligence, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
Concern Over Insecurity and Displacement
The CBCN expressed concern over the continued incidence of violence, kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining and the theft of natural resources across the country.
While acknowledging the government’s move to decentralise the police system as part of efforts to tackle insecurity, the bishops said any reorganisation should serve the common good rather than personal, ethnic, political or religious interests.
They called for stronger security measures to end banditry, recover land used for criminal activities and ensure that such land is put to productive use.
The bishops also expressed concern over the invasion of schools and places of worship, as well as the abduction and killing of students and worshippers.
They urged the government to intensify efforts to enable displaced communities to return to their ancestral homes. They further called for the protection of migrants and refugees, insisting that their basic rights and needs must be respected.
The conference also encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities, cooperate with security agencies and reject ethnic and religious divisions.
Call for Measures to Reduce Poverty
On the economy, the bishops said poverty and hardship had left many families struggling to meet their basic needs despite Nigeria’s natural wealth.
They called on governments at all levels to create more job opportunities, support local businesses and implement economic policies that would ease the financial burden on citizens.
The CBCN urged the federal and state governments to make concerted efforts to reduce poverty, pain and suffering, while encouraging citizens to practise honest labour, support local enterprises and avoid criminality and corrupt practices.
Demand Improved Infrastructure
The bishops also criticised poor roads, irregular electricity supply and failing public utilities, saying they continued to hinder economic growth and daily life.
They urged the government to invest transparently in public amenities, repair vital roads and ensure steady electricity and access to clean water.
The conference further called for the provision of railway transport facilities across the country to enhance socio-economic development.
Bishops Oppose Foreign Aids Regulation Bill
The CBCN raised concerns over the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026, which it said had passed through first and second readings in the National Assembly.
According to the bishops, some provisions of the proposed legislation could negatively affect churches, mosques, schools and humanitarian organisations providing assistance to conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.
They particularly objected to provisions they said would require the registration of foreign aid resources and give authorities powers to supervise their use.
The bishops argued that the bill could create unnecessary bureaucracy, duplicate existing laws and grant excessive discretionary powers to government officials.
They maintained that non-profit organisations and incorporated trustees, including religious and humanitarian bodies, were already regulated by the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act and other applicable laws.
The CBCN therefore urged the National Assembly and the Federal Government not to proceed with the bill in a manner that could undermine freedom of association, freedom of religion, thought and conscience, and national development.
Call for Free and Credible 2027 Elections
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the bishops called on all stakeholders to work towards free, fair and credible polls.
They encouraged eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process and elect people to public office in line with their consciences.
The conference also urged dioceses and parishes across the country to embark on civic education and mobilisation programmes. It announced plans for end-of-month fasting and prayer, alongside Rosary processions, from October to December 2026 in preparation for the elections.
The bishops further declared December 8, 2026, as a special national day of prayer and fasting for the success of the elections.
Church Events and Condolences
The communiqué also addressed church affairs, including the ongoing Special Jubilee marking the eighth centenary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi and the Church’s environmental protection efforts.
The bishops congratulated their Vice President, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos Archdiocese, on his appointment to the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches.
They also expressed condolences to the Diocese of Abakaliki following the death of Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu on April 10, 2026, and to the Archdiocese of Benin City following the death of Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze on July 9, 2026.
The bishops concluded by reiterating their call for renewed politics focused on moral principles, the promotion of human life and dignity, and the pursuit of the common good.
