New Year: Quiet endurance of Nigerians not sign all is well – CAN tells FG

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has told the Federal Government that the quiet endurance of Nigerians is not a sign that all is well but rather a reminder of how much healing, relief and justice the nation still needs

CAN made the assertion in its New Year message, highlighting difficulties faced by many Nigerians in the past year.
The message, contained in a statement by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, read: “Economic hardship, rising living costs, insecurity, and uncertainty placed enormous strain on families and communities.

“These realities cannot be ignored or explained away. The quiet endurance of our people is not a sign that all is well; rather, it is a reminder of how much healing, relief, and justice our nation still needs.
“As the nation continues to speak about reforms, recovery, and growth, CAN affirms that progress must translate into lived realities. Economic advancement must be evident in the daily lives of citizens—when food is affordable, healthcare is accessible, education is attainable, and meaningful work is available. Development that does not touch ordinary lives remains incomplete.

“Nigeria must become a place where families live with dignity, young people can plan for the future with confidence, and communities are no longer overwhelmed by fear. Public policies and leadership decisions must consistently reflect compassion, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to the common good, especially towards the poor and the vulnerable.
“The persistence of insecurity across the country remains a grave national concern. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime have uprooted communities and shattered lives. This reality demands decisive and sustained action. We hope that the government will deliver on its promises to reduce insecurity to the lowest levels in this new year.
“Furthermore, government at all levels must urgently present a clear, comprehensive, and time-bound plan for the resettlement of communities displaced for prolonged periods by violence and insecurity. It is unjust and unacceptable that citizens should remain indefinitely uprooted from their ancestral lands, homes, and livelihoods.

“Beyond temporary relief, the nation must pursue restoration. Security must be guaranteed, homes and infrastructure rebuilt, and displaced persons enabled to return safely and with dignity. A nation cannot claim healing while entire communities remain unsettled.
“As fiscal, tax, and other policy reforms continue, CAN calls for wisdom, fairness, and restraint. Economic decisions must not deepen hardship for those already struggling. Small businesses, low-income earners, and rural communities require protection and deliberate support if recovery is to be meaningful and inclusive.
“Nigeria’s challenges are not only economic or structural; they are also moral. Corruption, injustice, and division continue to weaken trust and erode our national conscience. Leadership at all levels must be guided by integrity, accountability, and a sincere commitment to serve rather than dominate. National renewal requires moral courage as much as technical competence.

“As the Church, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with the people, to speak truth with love, and to uphold hope in difficult times. We declare that Nigeria is not without a future. We affirm that justice, peace, and restoration are possible when leadership is responsible and citizens remain committed to righteousness and unity.
“As we journey through 2026, we look forward with sober hope, trusting that our nation can yet rise into better days marked by healing, stability, and shared progress.”