The First 2026 Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) concluded on February 25 at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, formally bringing to a close a week-long gathering of Catholic Bishops from across Nigeria.
The plenary, convened to deliberate on critical issues affecting the Church and the nation, featured extensive discussions on governance, security, economic stability, and democratic accountability. The official communiqué was presented by the newly elected Assistant Secretary of the Conference, Most Rev. Peter Chukwu, Bishop of Abakaliki, who outlined the key resolutions and outcomes of the meeting. During the closing ceremony, Certificates of Return were issued to the newly elected officers, while the immediate past President of the Conference, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, formally declared the plenary closed.
A press conference followed immediately after the closing Mass, during which the Bishops addressed the media on the theme of the communiqué, “Leadership for the Common Good.” They called on Nigerians to embrace responsible citizenship, uphold moral integrity in political participation, and promote leadership anchored in human dignity and selfless service.
The Bishops expressed concern over persistent insecurity, economic sabotage, food insecurity, and increasing voter apathy. They advocated for strengthened security architecture, improved technological surveillance systems, credible prosecution of criminal offenders, and comprehensive electoral reforms to protect Nigeria’s democracy. The Conference also underscored the importance of intensified prayer and peaceful coexistence nationwide.
In addition, the Bishops highlighted notable milestones within the universal Church, including the Special Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV. The plenary also recognized Most Rev. Matthew Man’oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, as the new President of the CBCN, alongside other newly elected officers entrusted with guiding the Conference in the coming term.
