- Blast prostitution, IVF surge, occult craze
- Say liturgical abuses betray sacred duty, mislead faithful
- Renew call for Catechesis
“Nigeria’s Catholic bishops have raised a red flag, warning that the nation’s moral foundation is collapsing under a wave of prostitution, a booming invitro fertilisation (IVF) industry, and a disturbing resurgence of idolatry and occultism among the youth. In a communique released at the end of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), held September 11–19, 2025, in Akwa Ibom State, the bishops declared that “the Nigerian family is under siege” and called for urgent action to reclaim the country’s values.
Family: The bedrock under threat
Citing St. Pope John Paul II’s description of the family as the “domestic Church,” the bishops warned that the rise of prostitution, moral laxity, and poor parenting is eroding Nigeria’s future. “Prostitution dehumanises the human person and undermines the family,” the communique stated. The bishops urged parents and guardians to reclaim their role as the “first educators in faith and morals,” raising children in discipline, love, and Christian values. “A healthy society derives from healthy families,” they stressed, “and sound families require responsible and God-fearing parents.”
IVF Clinics ‘ignore the dignity of life’
The bishops also expressed deep concern over what they called the “proliferation” of fertility clinics, cautioning that many practices in assisted reproduction, particularly IVF, violate Church teaching and disregard the dignity of human embryos. “The dignity of human embryos is often disregarded as many embryos are wasted in the process,” the statement noted. While empathising with the pain of couples struggling with infertility, the bishops reaffirmed that IVF is “gravely immoral” because it separates the unitive and procreative purpose of marriage. Instead, they encouraged adoption, natural family planning, and morally permissible medical assistance.
Youths at risk: Idolatry, occultism, and digital decay
Perhaps most alarming, the bishops expressed grave concern over the return of idolatry, occult practices, and superstitions among Nigerian youth, often packaged as a rediscovery of African Traditional Religion. “These delusive spiritualities exploit the human thirst for meaning but ultimately enslave rather than liberate,” the communique read. The bishops urged parents, catechists, and educators to guide young people with sound catechesis, prayer, and Christian witness, lest they fall prey to false ideologies. Acknowledging the growing influence of technology, the bishops noted that while information and communication tools can serve education, evangelisation, and development, they also pose serious risks when misused. They also warned that the misuse of smartphones and digital technology is fueling a moral crisis, exposing youths to pornography, cybercrime, and digital addiction. Parents were called to provide digital literacy and close monitoring to ensure technology “serves human dignity rather than destroys it.”
Call to national renewal
The CBCN further enjoined families, educators, religious leaders, and policymakers to join forces in rebuilding Nigeria’s moral fabric. “Our society cannot survive without strong families, guided by truth and faith,” the bishops insisted, challenging Nigerians to form a generation grounded in Christian values, respect for life, and moral integrity.
Liturgical deviations called ‘Scandalous’
The bishops issued a hard-hitting warning against deviations from liturgical norms, describing such practices as a “betrayal of sacred duty” that risk leading the faithful astray and scandalisng the Church. The bishops condemned fundraising gimmicks during Mass, misuse of the sanctuary by politicians, and the growing influence of unregulated private ministries. They did not mince words in addressing what they called a rising trend of liturgical abuse across parishes. “These unfortunate actions, which include multiple collections and fundraising, are a direct affront to the sanctity of the sacred liturgy,” the communique stated. “Priests who deviate from established liturgical norms betray their sacred duty and lead the faithful astray.”
The bishops called on prelates to take a stronger role in moderating and guiding the liturgical life of their diocese, warning that such aberrations offend the sensibilities of devout Catholics and undermine the integrity of worship. Particularly troubling to the bishops is the practice of allowing politicians to take the sanctuary during liturgical worship — often using the platform for self-serving purposes. “The Church is not just any building; it is a sacred space whose sanctity must be respected,” the bishops stressed, citing Sacrosanctum Concilium of Vatican II. Unregulated private ministries under fire In one of the most forceful sections of the communique, the CBCN condemned the proliferation of private ministries and prosperity preachers who, they said, exploit the faith for material gain.
“Religion in our country is being exploited and seen by some as merely a means of achieving instant material well-being,” the bishops warned. “Charlatans, owners of so-called private ministries, and preachers of prosperity gospel masquerade as prophets and operate with impunity.” The bishops called on diocesan authorities and major superiors to stand firm against these “unorthodox practices” and insist on unwavering fidelity to Catholic doctrine and discipline (cf. Code of Canon Law, Can. 305).
Renewed call for Catechesis The communique also placed renewed emphasis on catechesis, describing it as the Church’s most effective tool for forming faithful disciples who can withstand confusion and moral drift. “Catechesis is vital today for fostering deep communion with Jesus Christ,” the bishops said. They urged priests and pastoral agents to prioritise catechism teaching, marriage preparation courses, and well-prepared homilies that clearly communicate Church teaching to children, youth, and adults alike.
… CBCN warns: Nigeria risks collapse if crisis persists
- Calls for robust electoral reform, political education
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has issued one of its strongest statements yet on the state of the nation, warning that Nigeria risks collapse if urgent action is not taken to address insecurity, economic hardship, corruption, and declining moral standards. In a no-holds-barred communiqué released at the end of their Second Plenary Meeting, held September 11–19, 2025, in Ikot Ekpene Diocese, Akwa Ibom State, the bishops acknowledged progress in infrastructure, wage reforms, and tax relief but insisted that much more must be done to lift millions out of poverty and restore hope.
Positive changes’ but challenges persist
The bishops welcomed ongoing road rehabilitation projects, the implementation of a new minimum wage, increased state allocations, and federal tax reforms designed to curb multiple taxation and support low-income earners. “We commend the government for its efforts towards ensuring food security,” they said, also paying tribute to security personnel who “often work and sometimes sacrifice their lives” to protect citizens. But the tone quickly turned urgent. Insecurity, poverty, and unemployment, they warned, continue to wreak havoc on Nigerian lives. “Many citizens are kidnapped, dehumanised, killed or forced to flee their homes, forsaking their means of livelihood,” the communiqué stated.
Corruption branded the root cause
CBCN described corruption as the “moral rottenness” eating away at Nigeria’s foundations and accused politicians of prioritising power over good governance. “In the face of many life threats, politicians are more preoccupied with securing and retaining power and less concerned with good governance for the common good,” the bishops said. “Nigeria appears to be tilting to a one-party state — not a good omen for democracy.” They lamented that politicians spend more time strategising for the 2027 elections than improving citizens’ lives, leading to a sense of abandonment among the poor.
Call for electoral reform and political education
Electoral malpractice, voter suppression, and declining voter turnout were flagged as major threats to democracy. The bishops called for a “robust and comprehensive electoral reform” — including real-time electronic transmission and collation of results — and for the appointment of INEC officials of “unquestionable integrity.” The bishops also called for massive voter education campaigns and urged Nigerians to exercise their civic duty. “We encourage all adults of voting age to get their permanent voter’s cards ready and vote… We strongly advise citizens not to allow themselves to be influenced by bribes or swayed by instant gratification, intimidation, or ethno-religious considerations.”
Role of the laity in transforming society
The CBCN reminded lay Catholics of their responsibility to bring Gospel values into political, economic, and cultural life. “We encourage honest, qualified, and God-fearing Lay Faithful to join political parties and persuade those with leadership talent to seek office as a way of advancing the common good.”
Environmental justice for Niger Delta Communities
The bishops devoted part of the communiqué to environmental concerns, condemning the destruction of the Niger Delta through oil spills, gas flaring, and unchecked pollution. “Rehabilitating individuals, families, and communities that have been deprived of their sources of livelihood should be perceived as a matter of social justice,” they said, urging the federal government to clean up devastated areas and make seaports in the region fully operational to create jobs and curb youth restiveness.
Education, agriculture, and nation-building
CBCN called for urgent investment in education, describing Catholic schools as partners in national development that should enjoy tax exemptions. They stressed zero tolerance for examination malpractice, cultism, and drug abuse. On agriculture, the bishops urged government at all levels to provide mechanisation, access roads, and incentives for farmers while prohibiting genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to safeguard public health.
A wake-up call for Nigeria
The CBCN concluded with a stern warning: “Our nation may collapse if the current situation lingers. There is need for a radical change to where the common good drives our political, economic, social and cultural life.”
… Catholic Bishops to lay faithful: You have a major, decisive role to play in politics
Nigeria’s Catholic bishops have thrown their weight behind greater lay participation in politics, declaring that the future of the nation’s democracy depends on men and women of faith stepping into the political arena to reclaim the country’s moral compass. In a strongly worded communiqué titled “The Role of the Lay Faithful in Transforming the Temporal Order,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) challenged Christians not to remain passive spectators while corruption and bad governance erode the nation’s foundations.
“The lay faithful have a major and decisive role to play in politics,” the bishops said, describing them as “the salt of the earth, the light of the world and the leaven of society.” They insisted that by living out Gospel values in family, politics, economy, and culture, the laity can “transform the temporal order,” advance the common good, promote social justice, and defend human rights. The CBCN called on “honest, qualified and God-fearing” lay Catholics to join political parties, encourage capable leaders to seek office, and mobilize voters to elect them.
This, they stressed, is a concrete way of promoting the Church’s social teaching and steering Nigeria away from its current crises. “Our laity must not shy away from leadership,” the bishops declared. “We need Christian witnesses in the corridors of power, men and women who will infuse governance with integrity and restore hope to our people.”
