The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to ensure that the benefits of its economic reforms translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.
CAN made the call in an Independence Day statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, as Nigeria marked its 66th anniversary on Thursday.
The association urged the government to reduce the cost of food, transportation and energy while strengthening social protection and security across the country.
CAN said Nigeria needed to move beyond economic reform statistics to a phase where prosperity was reflected in the daily experiences of ordinary citizens.
“We welcome the shift from an era of economic reforms to an era of prosperity. But the true test of progress is not in statistics alone. It is whether families can afford food, young people can find decent work, communities can live in safety, and every child has a fair opportunity to build a future,” the association said.
CAN called for a measurable reduction in the cost of basic necessities, saying Nigerians who had endured years of economic pressure deserved meaningful relief.
It also urged the government to strengthen social protection for vulnerable households through improved access to education, healthcare and affordable credit.
According to the association, such interventions must be transparently administered and protected from diversion to ensure that support reaches intended beneficiaries.
“Prosperity that does not reach the ordinary Nigerian home remains incomplete,” CAN said.
The association also stressed that economic growth would not be sufficient without improved security.
It urged the government to protect lives and communities so farmers, traders and other Nigerians could pursue their livelihoods without fear.
“Security must receive equal attention. There can be no meaningful prosperity where citizens cannot farm, trade, travel or sleep peacefully because of fear,” the association said.
The call came shortly after President Bola Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, declared that Nigeria was entering an “age of prosperity” following what he described as the reform phase of his administration.
Tinubu said the next stage would focus on bringing down the cost of living, creating productive jobs and expanding opportunities for Nigerians.
CAN’s message therefore placed particular emphasis on ensuring that those broader economic objectives translate into improvements at household level.
The Christian body also issued a warning to politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging political actors not to present themselves as the ultimate solution to Nigeria’s challenges or use religion to advance partisan interests.
CAN said Christians remained free to support or criticise candidates but urged politicians to keep the name of Jesus Christ out of partisan rivalry.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to remaining non-partisan while speaking on issues affecting Nigerians and demanding accountability from public office holders.
“CAN remains committed to its role as a non-partisan moral voice; commending what is right, speaking when citizens are hurting and holding leaders to the values of justice, accountability and compassion,” Okoh said.
The association ended its Independence Day message with prayers for Nigeria and a call for citizens and leaders to work towards a country where prosperity is broadly experienced.
