… calls for fairness, restraint
… urges govt to tackle insecurity
Following the commencement of the tax reform policy, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday advised the federal government to ensure wisdom, fairness, and restraint.
Economic decisions, CAN said must not, “deepen hardship for those already struggling”.
CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh in his new year message, advised that, “Small businesses, low-income earners, and rural communities require protection and deliberate support if recovery is to be meaningful and inclusive.”
Okoh pleaded with government to continue to tackle insecurity and reduce it to the bearest minimum.
He said, “We acknowledge God’s mercy in preserving lives and sustaining our nation through another year marked by serious trials and testing moments.
“The year behind us was a difficult one for many Nigerians. 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 fiscal, tax, and other policy reforms continue, CAN calls for wisdom, fairness, and restraint. 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.
Okoh went further that Nigeria’s challenges are not only economic or structural, but also moral, adding that corruption, injustice, and division continue to weaken trust and erode national conscience.
He said urged that 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”, Okoh added.
