The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the Bishop of Abuja Diocese, The Most Reverend Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, has commended the bold strides of President Tinubu’s Administration on this second year Anniversary, especially on reforms in Nigeria’s Economy and the Infrastructural development across the country.
He also commended the efforts and the drive of the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the great achievements in the development of the Federal Capital Territory under his watch. The Primate noted that Mr. Wike has done more in two years than in the last 8 years.
Addressing the Third Session of the Twelfth Synod of Abuja Diocese with the Theme “Serve The Lord: Imperative For Family Under God” (Joshua 24:14-15), Archbishop Ndukuba stated clearly that the suffering of the common man continues unabated with hunger, poverty, poor healthcare delivery, and insecurity.
More so, the Corruption which is endemic in our country continues to impoverish the Nation, and most Palliative releases does not get to the ordinary Nigerians. Therefore, the situation in Nigeria continues to face daunting challenges that are impacting its growth and development, he added.
He also called for constant review of security strategies to address resurgence and regrouping of insurgency in the country, noting that insurgency and banditry have continued to disrupt economic activities, agricultural and mining sectors, resulting in decreased productivity, loss of revenue, and increased poverty.
According to him, if the current trend is not checked, it will be difficult for farmers to engage in agricultural activities that will affect the nation.
He stressed the need for the government to expose the sponsors and suppliers of weapons and ammunition.
He maintained that the current hyperinflation is biting hard on citizens and making lives more difficult for the people.
He therefore appealed to President Bola Tinubu to review the country’s trade policies in line with the current global realities.
Over Four Hundred delegates from Nine Archdeaconries of the Abuja Diocese are attending the synod held at Saint Phillips Anglican Church, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja.
THE FULL ADDRESS ON THE STATE OF THE NATION BELOW
STATE OF THE NATION:
We commend President Tinubu’s Administration on this second Anniversary for the bold steps being taken to reform the Nigerian Economy and the Infrastructural development across the country.
We commend the efforts and the drive of the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the great achievements in the development of the Federal Capital Territory. Under his watch, more has been done in two years than in the last 8 years.
We must state clearly that the suffering of the common man continues unabated with hunger, poverty, poor healthcare delivery, and insecurity. More so, the Corruption which is endemic in our country continues to impoverish the Nation, and most Palliative releases do not get to the ordinary Nigerians.
Therefore, the situation in Nigeria continues to face daunting challenges that are impacting its growth and development.
THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY
- Impact of Inflation According to the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which revealed that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 24.23 per cent in March 2025, from 23.18 per cent recorded in February 2025, it is obvious that the persistent high inflationary trend is driven by various factors, including insecurity in food-producing areas, energy costs, currency fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions remains a pressing issue, with rising prices of goods and services eroding the purchasing power of Nigerians.
- Interest Rate: The High interest rate regime we are experiencing in our economy is inimical to productivity and growth. Granted that the MPR (monetary policy rate), which is the CBN’s benchmark rate, was retained at 27. 5% at the last MPC meeting in continuation of its efforts to rein in inflation and stabilize the National Currency, it remains evident that such high interest rate increases borrowing costs for businesses and individuals, thereby limiting economic growth.
- Exchange Rate: While we note and commend the relative stability in the exchange rate, we urge that both the Monetary and Fiscal authorities continue to apply the necessary interventions that will strengthen the value of the Naira. The current exchange rate of N1600/$ is unfavorable for growth and impoverishes Nigerians.
- Impact of Tariffs: The impact of global trade tensions, including Trump’s Tariffs, has put Nigeria’s non-oil export worth about N3.23 billion at risk as the newly announced 14% tariff could affect their competitiveness in that market.
- Review Our Trade Policies: We urge the Government to ensure that our trade policies are reviewed in line with the current global trade realities, engaging with countries whose trade policies are favorable to us.
We must seek trade relationships with suppliers in jurisdictions with lower tariffs or those not subject to tariffs. We laud the Government’s First policy on procurement and ask for full compliance by MDAS and relevant stakeholders.
This will boost local production, reduce the pressure on our foreign reserves, and create employment for our teeming unemployed population - Fight Oil Bunkering and Increase Production and Local Refining Capacity: The global fall in oil price is of great concern given our country’s mono-product economy and heavy reliance on oil exports. The current price of $60 per barrel will certainly distort our budgetary plan, where our revenue projection was based on the oil price of $75 pb.
In effect, the decline will reduce government revenue and can limit the government’s ability to fund development projects and meet budgetary obligations.
This is no doubt a wake-up call for the urgent need to fast-track our efforts to diversify the economy, invest in non-oil sectors, and implement policies to promote economic growth and stability. - Insecurity is the Bane of our Economy: Insecurity has unfortunately become a challenge in our national life. The insurgency in the Northeast and banditry in other parts of the country have continued to disrupt economic activities, particularly in the agricultural and mining sectors, resulting in decreased productivity, loss of revenue, and increased poverty.
We call on the respective stakeholders to address inflation, strengthen the Naira, improve fiscal performance, arrest insecurity, and save Nigerians from its choking economic quagmire.
TACKLING THE INTRACTABLE INSECURITY
The recent attacks in communities across the country suggest there is a resurgence and regrouping of Insurgency. There are many factors contributing to Insecurity in Nigeria, such as porous Boundaries that allow foreigners from the Sahel region to come into the country unchecked, the Psycho-social bitterness and circle of Retaliation among the Herders and Indigenous Farming communities.
The beneficiaries of Insecurity who see it as a means of making themselves relevant in the Political matters of the day, the sponsors and suppliers of weapons and ammunition who enrich themselves with such acts, and many other factors.
There is a need to expose the sponsors of Anarchy in Nigeria as enemies of the Nation and engage in dialogue. The continual Equipping of the Nigerian Armed Forces is vital to winning this war. The Unity and peace of Nigeria are for the good of all citizens and people.
The effective Policing and protection of lives and property in our communities must be prioritized. Improvement in Security will guarantee Economic revival and growth.
Spiritually, the more innocent Blood is shed, the more curses and retrogression we invoke upon our Nation. The Blood of the slain cries out for vengeance and retribution. The challenges in the Legal system in Nigeria are a contributory factor to Insecurity and Anarchy in the Body politic of Nigeria.
It is not enough for the Senate to demand the trial of those who killed suspects in Edo State, but it will be good to arrest those who have constantly violated and killed the citizens in the Edo Communities. ‘’Let Justice Flow like the river’’ for all citizens.
We commend the efforts of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, and the Law enforcement Agencies to fight Insecurity in the Country.
This policy will already demonstrate that tackling Insecurity is a clear message to all. There is a need for constant review of the Strategy and greater improvement. Nigeria shall overcome and rise again to her Destiny.
THE DIGNITY OF NIGERIAN YOUNG PEOPLE
The rate of trafficking in persons, especially the Youth of our country, not just those who risk their lives to travel to Europe but even the countries of West Africa, is alarming. The ravaging impact of Prostitution, Drug Peddling in our Streets, Addiction, and Abuse is frowned at.
The dehumanizing tendencies and unemployment are imminent. Nigeria is greatly blessed and endowed, and with good leadership and citizens’ orientation, the Dignity of our Citizens can be restored and enhanced.
The Religious and Non-Governmental Organizations must collaborate with the Government to tackle these socio-economic problems. The greatest solution will be in gainful employment in Agriculture and Industry.
By Korede Akintunde
