To all Anglican faithful,

My dear People of God, in the Diocese of Abuja, Clergy and Laity,
Grace and peace be multiplied to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We, The Most Revd. Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, by God’s providence, the Lord Bishop of Abuja and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), presided over the Third Session of the Twelfth Synod of our Diocese held from Thursday, 29th May to Sunday, 1st June, 2025 at St. Phillip’s Anglican Church, Team 6, Gwarinpa, Abuja.

A total of 364 Synod delegates comprising the House of Bishops – 1, the House of Clergy – 74, and the House of Laity – 289, from the nine Archdeaconries, five Deaneries, and six new Mission Parish Areas of the Diocese of Abuja, participated. In attendance was the former Primate, The Most Revd. Dr. Nicholas D. Okoh, and other Archbishops and Bishops from various Dioceses of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) who came to felicitate with the Diocese of Abuja.

Following extensive deliberations on the Synod theme, “Serve the Lord: The Imperative for the Family Under God,” taken from Joshua 24:14-15, we write to express our heartfelt gratitude to God for His grace and guidance throughout our discussions. We are especially thankful for the active and prayerful participation of both the Clergy and Laity in seeking God’s will for our families, Diocese, and nation.

Beloved, the theme of this Synod resonates with us in our time—an era where biblical and ethical foundations that hold families together have eroded. As a result, families are under spiritual assault, societal and moral values are rapidly eroding, and godlessness is on the rise.

Amid this decline, God is calling us back to our primary responsibility: a call to serve Him faithfully, beginning from our homes. Joshua’s declaration remains bold and instructive: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” He did not speak for himself alone but declared his entire household’s commitment to the Lord. This affirms that true service to God must begin with the family.

The family is the nucleus of society; as such, a family under God is the foundation of both the Church and the nation. When families serve the Lord in sincerity and truth, the Church is strengthened, society is preserved, and the next generation is discipled in righteousness.

It is therefore a categorical imperative for fathers, mothers, and children alike to respond to the divine call to worship, live in obedience, and serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

Serving the Lord is not optional or a mere suggestion—it is an imperative. It requires intentional discipleship that builds strong leadership in the home through daily devotion and a lifestyle that reflects the character of Christ. Let every Christian household rise as a beacon of righteousness in this generation, boldly declaring: “We will serve the Lord!”

In the face of national insecurity, corruption, and moral decay, the Church must shine as the light of the world, for a nation is only as strong as its families. When families are grounded in godly service, transformation begins—communities are healed, and nations are renewed. Let every Anglican home become a discipleship center and a sanctuary of purposeful service unto God.

The family under God is not just a social construct—it is a covenantal institution designed to reflect God’s glory. It is in the family that children first learn to pray, to obey, and to know the Lord. Today, in Nigeria, where families face spiritual, economic, and cultural pressures, we must return to the foundation of God’s Word and rebuild our homes accordingly.

In other words, husbands and fathers must rise as spiritual leaders and priests in their homes; wives and mothers must cultivate godliness and nurture the next generation with faith and wisdom; and children must be taught to honor God and walk in His ways.

Serving the Lord must go beyond Sunday worship—it must become the daily lifestyle of every Christian family. Whether in prayer, giving, hospitality, community engagement, or raising children in the fear of the Lord, our homes must radiate the light of Christ.

Every family should be a “church in miniature,” actively participating in God’s mission in the world.

Therefore, the family and the Church must collaborate to promote ethical and moral values, ensure proper training and upbringing of our children, as well as renew commitment to quiet time and family devotion.

The Church of Nigeria Daily Fountain and Youth Daily Dynamite remain a veritable devotional guide for our spiritual growth to strengthen our personal and family altar.

Similarly, we must endeavour to attend weekly activities of the Church, become active in groups and service arms, as well as encourage our children to join relevant youth fellowships and groups. While these groups complement family effort in nurturing the home, we encourage Churches to strengthen House Fellowship in and around our respective parishes.

The Church has a crucial role to play in advocating for peace and security. We must stand united against violence and injustice, promoting dialogue and reconciliation within our parishes and the society at large.

We express our sincere gratitude to the Clergy and parishioners for their unwavering dedication and enthusiastic participation in all our Diocesan activities. These include the Carnival for Christ, Way of the Cross, Easter Cantata, the Mission Week activities, commemoration of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther’s Day, DIVCCON, and the Joshua Generation International Youth Conference (JGIYC). Despite the challenges posed by insecurity, economic downturn, and other issues, your support and contributions have been remarkable.

Beloved brethren, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your selfless generosity towards the completion of projects within the Diocese. Especially your immense support towards the 35th Anniversary, where landmark projects of the Diocese were completed and dedicated, such as:

• The Bethrapha Medical Centre Ltd.
• All Saints Guest House
• The Greater Chapter of the Cathedral Church of the Advent
• Diocesan Skill Acquisition Centre, Kuje
• Churches and Vicarages (commissioned and dedicated respectively)

We acknowledge difficulties caused by recent economic policies leading to a hike in electricity tariffs, foodstuff, and other challenges, and encourage churches to prioritize the welfare of members at the parish level.

As we move beyond the Synod, it is essential that we do not let the flame ignited within us during this assembly fade. We should continue to fortify our personal relationship with Christ through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments. We must remain attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we endeavor to implement the conclusions and recommendations from the Synod.

Genesis 18:19
“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.”

Signed
The Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, MA, BD, MA(Ed), DD
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria
Bishop of the Diocese of Abuja

The Diocese of Abuja, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) held the Third Session of the Twelfth Synod from Thursday, 29th May to Sunday, 1st June, 2025, at St. Phillip’s Anglican Church, Team 6, Gwarinpa, Abuja. The Synod was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Abuja and the Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Synod examined the Theme: “SERVE THE LORD: IMPERATIVE FOR THE FAMILY UNDER GOD”, taken from Joshua 24:14-15. The theme, which highlighted the foundations and practical ways of serving the Lord, also emphasized the need to balance responsibilities, prioritize faith, and ensure spiritual growth and family bonding to attract God’s blessings and glorify His name.

INSECURITY

Synod appreciates the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the efforts to tackle the multi-dimensional challenges facing Nigeria in every sector. Synod further commends the spirited efforts of members of the Armed Forces and relevant Paramilitary Agencies to secure our nation, Nigeria.

However, Synod notes with deep concern the persistent and widespread insecurity, including violent attacks in Plateau, Benue, Edo, Enugu, Ondo, and Borno States, and other troubling encroachment of violence in other parts of the country, leading to tragic loss of lives, displacement of communities, and destruction of property.

Synod strongly urges the Federal, State, and Local Governments to adopt more proactive, coordinated, and intelligence-driven approaches to entrenching security. Synod calls for improved welfare and equipment for security personnel, prompt justice for victims, and sincere efforts to address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and ethnic-religious tension.

ELECTORAL REFORMS

Synod emphasizes that credible, free, fair, and transparent elections are the bedrock of good governance and national stability. Synod therefore urges the National Assembly, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other relevant electoral stakeholders to prioritize reforms that will:

Ensure the independence and accountability of the electoral bodies

Promote the use of secure, technology-driven systems for voter registration, accreditation, transmission, and collation of results

Strengthen the legal framework to deter electoral fraud and punish offenders swiftly

Guarantee equal access and a level playing field for all political parties and candidates

Synod further calls on all Nigerians, particularly the Church, to remain vigilant, prayerful, and actively engaged in advocating for transparent electoral processes and the integrity of the outcomes.

GOVERNANCE

Politics

Synod notes with concern the continued emphasis on politics at the expense of governance. Synod notes that while politics may win elections, good governance builds a nation. The purpose of leadership is not to perpetually campaign but to serve, to solve real problems, and to steer society towards development and prosperity.

Synod, therefore, urges leaders at all levels to focus on what truly matters — security, education, healthcare delivery, the provision of infrastructure, job creation, and a sustainable future. Governance must be rooted in servant leadership, vision, and performance-based assessment.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND ILLEGAL MINING

Synod expresses grave concern over escalating environmental degradation across the nation caused by deforestation, oil spillage, waste pollution (especially plastic waste), and the devastating impact of illegal mining activities in parts of the country. These unregulated mining operations and the use of plastic waste not only damage the ecosystems but also fuel insecurity, exploit local communities, and deprive the nation of vital revenue.

Synod calls on the Federal and State Governments to enforce stricter regulations to monitor mining activities and prosecute those involved in illegal mining operations, including their sponsors.

Synod further encourages reforestation and land rehabilitation programs to restore the damaged ecosystems.

Synod commends the commitment of the Federal government to protect the environment with the conversion of petroleum-using cars to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) ones. Synod, however, is appalled that access to the gas is not available to the end users.

ECONOMY

Synod notes the dwindling economy in Nigeria with the rate of inflation and its multi-dimensional negative consequences on the citizenry, investments, etc.

Synod expresses concern over the high debt profile of the Federal and States Governments with excessive borrowing and decries that these crippling debt-burden have the potentials to erode current and prospective investors’ confidence, particularly foreign ones, resulting in capital flight with its attendant negative impact on the Nigerian stock market and our overall economic stability.

Synod expresses the need for judicious utilization and management of the funds so acquired and therefore urges government at all levels to ensure that fiscal policies are properly articulated to have the desired positive impact on general governance and the governed, and to ensure constructive engagement with all and sundry.

Synod, however, commends the government at all levels on the efforts to diversify the economy, especially the agricultural sector, and the creation of fiscal sustainability and job creation. Synod therefore urges that adequate awareness be created on the implementation and actualization of policies by the government.

Synod reminds governments at all levels of their primary responsibilities to provide an enabling environment for investments, development, and employment, among other things, and urges them to be committed to the constitutional role to uplift the governed from what appears to be an economic siege.

Synod notes with concern the high cost of living in the country with the recent fiscal pronouncements by the government, e.g., removal of fuel subsidy, the hike in electricity and data tariff, introduction of cyber security tax on personal accounts, and its overwhelming impact on the ‘meagre’ resources of Nigerians. This is taking into consideration that there has not been a corresponding provision of a living wage for workers or the social infrastructure to cushion the effects on the masses, especially the aged, the unemployed, and the vulnerable.

Synod, therefore, calls on leaders across Nigeria, both at the Executive and Legislative levels, to be more receptive to the concerns being raised by all Nigerians and calls for a review of the varying economic challenges across the nation.

JOB CREATION / INVESTMENT

Synod commends the Federal, State, and Local governments for providing stimulus for small businesses to grow.

Synod, however, notes with grave concern the high rate of unemployment and under-employment in our nation. Many Nigerians are living miserably as the purchasing power is weakened due to high inflation. The attendant consequences of these include the upsurge in the number of cases of depression, suicidal tendencies, loss of human sensitivity, domestic violence, rape, mental disorders, ritual killings, kidnapping, internet fraud and drug abuse, to mention a few.

Synod, therefore, makes a passionate appeal to government at all levels to work hard to improve the economy by creating job opportunities and self-employment schemes for the citizenry.

EDUCATION

Synod notes the giant steps being taken by the Federal and State governments to improve and stabilize the educational sector, with the improvement in the general infrastructure of schools and tertiary institutions nationwide. The introduction of palliatives via allocation and distribution of grants to students, particularly in technical and tertiary institutions, is commendable as it builds up the required skills gaps within the employment system.

Synod, however, appeals to the operators of the grants to engage in adequate sensitization, and that transparency and equity should be the hallmark in the implementation processes.

Synod notes with grave concern the outcomes of the recently held Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, which was purportedly caused by system glitches and resulted in mass failure, death, depression, and led to the erosion of the corporate reputation of the institution.

Synod notes that the ordered re-sit examination was hurriedly done at the expense of due quality assurance. Synod therefore urges the Federal government and the management of JAMB to address all the concerns raised in the last exercise to restore institutional confidence in the system.

Synod commends the introduction of the use of Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the conduct of all examinations for admission into tertiary institutions. Synod, however, cautions that the Federal Ministry of Education may wish to review the compulsory directive on the use of CBT as a basis for admission, considering that there are rural areas with poor power supply, infrastructure, and low internet access.

Synod therefore recommends that, rather than make it compulsory, it should continue to be run along with the manual options so as not to disenfranchise any candidate.

HEALTH

Synod notes, with concern, the numerous challenges that impact the overall well-being of the citizens in the health sector, with the proliferation of counterfeit drugs, persistent drug shortages, and medical supplies, which exacerbate the situation, leaving patients without access to healthcare delivery.

Synod calls for collaborative efforts from government authorities to prioritize human resources for healthcare delivery such as:

• The provision of essential medicines
• Health financing and social protection
• Health information, research and policy development
• Execution of immunization programmes
• Healthcare infrastructure
• Technical assistance to healthcare providers and regulatory bodies

—to ensure quality healthcare delivery and general well-being.

JUDICIARY

Synod notes the delay in court proceedings, allegations of corruption, and lack of public confidence in the justice system, leaving Nigerians questioning whether the “judiciary truly is the hope of the common man”.

Synod calls on the Judiciary to implement comprehensive judicial reforms aimed at restoring integrity, efficiency, and accessibility within the justice system. These include, but are not limited to:

Robust measures to address the backlog of cases

Strengthen mechanisms for accountability and transparency

Enhance avenues for citizen engagement

Only through decisive actions can the Judiciary reassert its role as the guardian of justice and a beacon of hope for all Nigerians.

CONCLUSION

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) reaffirms its commitment to praying for peace and supporting initiatives that promote dialogue, unity, and national healing.

Signed by:
The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba — President of Synod
The Venerable Joshua Lambert — Synod Secretary