Methodist Church Urges FG to Act on Insecurity, Hardship and Unemployment

The Methodist Church Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to address insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and corruption across the country.

The church made the call in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its 50th/15th Biennial Conference and presented by its Prelate, Dr Oliver Ali Aba, during a press conference held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Light, Agodi Gate, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Methodist Church expressed concern over the worsening economic conditions confronting millions of Nigerians, including hunger, insecurity, unemployment and a declining standard of living.

According to the Prelate, increased revenues accruing to the Federal Government and higher allocations to states and local governments have yet to translate into significant improvements in the welfare of citizens.

The church also identified corruption, impunity and the mismanagement of public resources as major barriers to national development.

It therefore urged the government to embrace transparent, accountable and people-centred leadership, while prioritising food security, investment, job creation and policies that ensure the benefits of economic reforms reach poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

On insecurity, the church commended security agencies and the governments involved in the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other victims in Oyo, Ogun, Kwara and Niger states.

It also reaffirmed its support for the establishment of state police, describing it as part of broader reforms needed to strengthen grassroots security, intelligence gathering and rapid response to threats.

The church said it would continue supporting efforts to combat insecurity through prayer, moral instruction and constructive engagement with government.

Aba further called on Nigerians not to surrender to fear or despair but to remain steadfast in faith, uphold righteousness, pursue justice and work collectively for peace and national development.

The Methodist Church also called for stronger collaboration between government and faith-based organisations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Christian Council of Nigeria, particularly in education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral formation.

However, the church stressed that such partnerships must produce tangible improvements in governance, security, economic recovery and the welfare of Nigerians.

While describing Nigeria as a blessed nation with the potential to prosper, Aba maintained that government and faith communities must work together as “partners in progress” to build a better country.

The Methodist Church said it would continue to contribute to national development through prayer, constructive engagement and speaking truth to power when necessary.