The primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Henry Ndukuba, has called for collective action against insecurity and economic challenges in Nigeria.

Mr Ndukuba made the call in his address at the Third Session of the Twelfth Synod of the Diocese of Abuja Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at St. Phillips Church on Saturday in Abuja.

He congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his two years in office and commended his administration’s efforts in economic reforms and infrastructure.

He also commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his performance in Abuja.

Mr Ndukuba, however, said that despite the progress made, poverty, hunger, insecurity, poor healthcare, and endemic corruption persisted.

Speaking on the state of the nation, the primate said that insecurity has unfortunately become a nationwide challenge that requires synergy to address.

“The insurgency in the North-East 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,” Mr Ndukuba said.

He called for the need to equip the armed forces and improve policing, expose sponsors of insecurity, reform the legal system for accountability, and promote justice and peace.

The primate said improved security would guarantee economic revival and national growth.

“Therefore, religious and non-governmental organisations must collaborate with the government to tackle these socio-economic problems. The greatest solution will be in gainful employment in Agriculture and Industry,” he said.

Speaking on the economy, Mr Ndukuba said the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 24.23 per cent in March 2025 from 23.18 per cent recorded in February 2025.

Mr Ndukuba said this resulted from factors, including insecurity in food-producing areas, energy costs and currency fluctuations.

He stated that while the relative stability in the exchange rate is commendable, the monetary and fiscal authorities are urged to continue applying the necessary interventions to strengthen the value of the naira.

Mr Ndukuba urged the federal government to ensure that Nigeria’s trade policies are reviewed. He said the global fall in oil prices was of great concern, given Nigeria’s mono-product economy and heavy reliance on oil exports.

He called for resilience in the face of Nigeria’s ongoing struggles and urged citizens to put away their idols and serve God wholeheartedly.

(NAN)