The Methodist Church Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to take more decisive action against insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, corruption and declining living standards.
The church also backed the establishment of State Police as part of broader security reforms, saying the move could strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering and enable faster responses to emerging threats.
The positions were contained in a communiqué issued after the church’s 50th/15th Biennial Conference.
Speaking at a press conference in Ibadan on Monday, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Oliver Ali Aba, said the conference had reflected on the condition of the country and the church.
The conference acknowledged government reform efforts in some sectors but expressed concern over worsening hardship, hunger, insecurity, unemployment and declining living standards affecting millions of Nigerians.
It identified corruption, impunity and the mismanagement of public resources as major obstacles to national development.
The church said that despite increased revenues to the Federal Government and higher allocations to states and local governments, improvements in the welfare of citizens had remained largely elusive.
It also raised concerns about constituency projects, saying substantial appropriations had often failed to produce visible grassroots development.
The conference called for transparent, accountable and people-centred leadership that confronts corruption, safeguards public resources, promotes investment, food security and job creation, and ensures that the benefits of economic reforms reach poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
On security, the church expressed concern over recurring killings and violent attacks in Benue and Plateau states, as well as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts and other violent crimes.
It commended the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, alongside other abductees rescued in Ogun, Kwara and Niger states.
The church said it supported the government’s decision not to pay ransom to kidnappers and reiterated its backing for State Police.
“The Conference further reiterates its support for the establishment of State Police as part of comprehensive security reform to strengthen grassroots security, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to emerging threats,” the communiqué said.
The Methodist Church also condemned xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, describing them as an affront to human dignity, African solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
It urged Nigeria and South Africa to intensify diplomatic engagement to protect Nigerians, uphold justice and strengthen relations between both countries.
On governance, the conference welcomed the Federal Government’s stated commitment to democratic governance and the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission. It called on political actors to uphold the rule of law and ensure elections remain peaceful, free, fair and credible.
Aba said the church would continue to engage government constructively and speak when necessary.
“If there is any vital opportunity for the church to speak, the church will speak nothing but the truth,” he said.
He urged political leaders to provide what he described as evidence of democracy through the protection of lives and property and improved welfare for citizens.
