…Demands Objective Driven Healthcare Delivery
By Emeka Odogwu
For the numerous lives and property worth billions of Naira lost to insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and violent robbery in Nigeria, the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) met in Anambra State, South East Nigeria, with a nod to the Federal Government’s collaboration with the Government of the United States of America (USA) to send special squads to Nigeria to help locate and neutralize terrorist networks.
This was part of the communique at the end of the Standing Committee meeting of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion at St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Osumenyi, Nnewi South, Amichi Diocese, Anambra State recently.
The Standing Committee noted with dismay what it described as the persistent state of insecurity in Nigeria, adding that no region was spared from the menace of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, herder-farmer conflicts, ethnic/religious conflicts, and other violent crimes. It noted sadly, however, that the government’s primary constitutional responsibility of ensuring security and welfare of its citizens by protecting life and property, was not yielding the desired results.
‘Regrettably, many persons, including security personnel, have continued to lose their lives in the course of the fight against insurgency. The Committee therefore, welcomes the Federal Government’s collaboration with the Government of the United States of America (USA) to send special squads to Nigeria to train the Nigerian Armed Forces and assist with intelligence gathering that would help locate and neutralize terrorist networks.
‘The Committee notes with delight that Nigeria’s Economy is on a cautious path to recovery, driven by improved micro-economic stability. The Committee observes that although significant challenges remain, the potential is high. These positive indicators are in projections, including expected GDP growth of 4.4% in 2026, up from 3.89% in 2025. Inflation is expected to ease to 12.94% and external reserves are expected to rise beyond $50 billion.
The Committee expresses optimism for an improved economy but draws the government’s attention to growing food insecurity, oil price volatility and fiscal pressures. To sustain the path of growth, attention must be given to prudent policy management, economic diversification, investment in infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and curbing the prevalent security challenges,’ the communique read.
On infrastructure, the Committee reaffirmed that infrastructure development remained a critical pillar for Nigeria’s economic growth, social stability, and global competitiveness. It further noted that while notable progress had been recorded by the Federal and State governments in road construction, rail modernization and airport upgrades, significant gaps persisted in power supply, rural access roads, water supply, and port efficiency. The Committee called on government at all levels to ensure greater transparency, sustained investment, and effective management, which, it noted, were essential for sustainable growth and improved living standards.
On tax reforms, the committee noted that the Nigeria Tax Reforms Act of 2026 was aimed at overhauling the National Tax System, enhancing compliance, broadening the tax base and reducing reliance on oil revenue.
‘The reforms have received mixed reactions while their goals are widely supported, their implementation and potential economic impact have drawn criticism,’ the Committee noted, further pointing out the divided debate on the reform with some praising its potential to boost revenue and promote economic growth, while some criticized its impact, particularly on low-income earners and small businesses.
The Committee cautioned that the legitimate concerns arising from the reforms should not be dismissed and called on government at all levels to phase the reforms, to give room for gradual adjustment, provide accessible information on changes, give incentives to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), address corruption and mismanagement of funds and ensure transparency and accountability in public expenditure.
The communique reiterated that Nigeria could not afford politics driven by mere ambition, while citizens endured hardship.
‘Power is a trust for service, not a weapon for control. The Committee therefore calls on political leaders to avoid divisive rhetoric and politics of self-interest. Politicians should speak truthfully, act justly, and place the nation above personal gain and party loyalty. There should be respect for institutions and public officers should be accountable. The governed must reject violence, reject inducement, and defend truth over party allegiance. The National Assembly and other public officers in positions of authority must place Nigeria first and ensure that their approach to politics and service recognizes that service to the people ranks above every other narrow consideration,’ said the committee.
Upcoming 2027 General Elections
The Committee called on politicians to ensure that the 2027 Elections did not become a do-or-die affair, advising that power was not worth the shedding of blood. It charged politicians to seek political office with integrity, reject violence, vote-buying and ethnic or religious manipulation; even as it urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be impartial and ensure that every lawful vote counted.
The Committee charged citizens to defend their votes, refuse inducement, and keep the peace, as well as go into the election as one people and come out united and stronger.
The Committee noted with deep concern, the debate on the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026, especially on real time electronic transmission of results. It posited that credible elections required transparency and trust. It said the electronic transmission of election results was essential to preventing manipulation and delays.
It further urged lawmakers and the electoral body, to ensure that it is mandatory, uniform, and reliable, placing the voters will above politics. It noted that Nigeria’s Democracy depended on elections whose results were clear, verifiable, and trusted.
The Committee welcomed the renegotiated agreement signed in January 2025 between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), replacing the long-outstanding 2009 FGN-ASUU pact. The Committee also urged its faithful and comprehensive implementation to guarantee a stable academic calendar and improve the quality of university education.
“The Committee also commends the purposeful and courageous leadership of the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Revd Daniel Okoh, and his executives, for their steadfast commitment to the growth and integrity of the Church in Nigeria. We note with keen interest the renewed efforts to review the bill on Christian Education and related matters and we earnestly call for broad-based consultations and participation to ensure inclusivity and fairness in the process.
“The Judiciary remains indispensable to national peace, order and justice. For justice to command respect, the judiciary must be independent, impartial and seen to be above reproach. Perceptions of bias and compromise erode public confidence. Policy-makers must safeguard judicial independence and insulate it from undue political influence. The Committee therefore encourages judicial officers to uphold the doctrine of judicial precedents and avoid conflicting decisions on similar matters and ensure clarity and consistency in adjudication.
“Nigeria’s Health Sector continues to face serious challenges, including workforce migration (popularly known as the japa phenomenon), industrial disputes, and underfunded Primary Healthcare Systems. Many rural facilities lack essential equipment, stable electricity, and clean water. Heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments further restricts access and deepens poverty. The Committee calls for more objective driven healthcare strategies, the revitalization of primary healthcare, sustainable health financing reforms, inclusive expansion of health insurance coverage to protect vulnerable citizens, and introduce strategies to improve the welfare of health workers.
The communique concluded that God’s call to serve, remained central to the Church’s witness and that Service to God and humanity must be rooted in the fear of God and expressed in integrity, compassion and justice. It added that like Joshua, every Christian household must declare: ‘As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord’ (Joshua 24: 15), adding that as faithful stewards, they should resolve to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and to work prayerfully for a nation characterized by righteousness, peace, and godly leadership.
The communique was signed by The Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, MA, BD, MA (Ed), DD
(Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria);
The Most Revd Blessing Chinyere Enyindah, PhD
(Dean, Church of Nigeria) and The Ven. Barr. Festus Chukwunyere Opara, PhD
(General Secretary, Church of Nigeria).
The standing committee meeting, with the theme, “Serve the Lord: Imperative for the Family Under God (Joshua 24: 14-15), was presided over by His Grace, The Most Revd Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, (Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria).
There were 143 Archbishops and Bishops, 160 Clergy, and 95 members of the Laity in the rolls of the Houses.
Also at the opening ceremony were the wife of the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Mrs. Angela Eberechukwu Ndukuba (President of Women’s and Girls’ Organizations, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion); His Excellency, Prof. Charles Soludo (The Governor of Anambra State); The Most Revd Dr. David Onuoha (President of the Christian Council of Nigeria); Mr. Peter Obi ( former Governor of Anambra State and the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 elections); and other government and traditional leaders. The former Primates of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Revd Dr. Peter Jasper Akinola, CON and The Most Revd Dr. Nicholas D. Okoh sent in their goodwill messages.
It’s imperative to note that, guided by the theme, ”Serve the Lord: Imperative for the Family Under God (Joshua 24:1415)”, the Standing Committee reaffirmed the biblical mandate that service to God is both a sacred duty and an uncompromising choice for every Christian household. The family, as God’s primary institution, is called to function as a united altar of worship, obedience, and selfless service, modelling godly values to the Church and wider society.
The Committee underscored the imperative to serve the Lord alone, rejecting all forms of idolatry, whether spiritual, cultural, material, or ideological; and to demonstrate genuine devotion through righteous living and sacrificial service to humanity.
The Committee therefore called on Christian families to intentionally enthrone God in their homes, raising generations that fear the Lord, uphold His truth, and reflect His love through faithful service and compassionate engagement with the world.
