The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has called on Nigerians to make national unity and sacrificial service a national priority, warning against politics and actions capable of undermining the country’s delicate balance.

The call is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its 15th General Synod held at Our Saviour’s Church, Ikenne, Diocese of Remo, Ogun State, from September 14 to 18.

The Synod, with the theme “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” was presided over by the Primate of All Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba.

According to the communiqué signed by the primate, the Dean, Most Rev’d Blessing Enyindah and General Secretary, Ven. Festus Opara, the Synod was attended by 142 bishops, 199 clergy and 145 members of the Laity.

The Synod affirmed that every Christian is called to active participation in Christ’s mission, urging a shift from clergy-centred ministry to intentional equipping of members for evangelism, volunteerism and nation building.

On the state of the nation, the Synod expressed concern over persistent insecurity, noting that banditry, kidnapping and killings continue unabated.

Commending the Federal Government for recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren and deployment of forest guards, it urged more proactive use of intelligence and recovery of ungoverned spaces.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the Synod urged political actors to place national unity above partisan interests and shun hate speech, vote-buying and misinformation.

It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold neutrality and transparency, and on the judiciary to act independently in election matters.

The Synod also raised concerns over health, education and the economy, calling for strengthened public health institutions, improved funding for education and measures to stabilise fuel prices to restore household purchasing power.

On agriculture, it warned of a deepening food crisis, projecting severe hunger in the North-East and North-Central by end of 2026, and called for farm security, single-digit loans for farmers and transparent input subsidies.

The Church condemned recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, urging stronger bilateral dialogue and encouraging Nigerians in diaspora to comply with immigration laws.

Other resolutions include intensified fight against drug abuse, including consideration of mandatory drug testing for public office holders, reduction in cost of governance through full implementation of the Oronsaye Report, and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence.

On national unity, the Synod said Nigeria’s secular character must be respected, cautioning that continuation of a Muslim-Muslim ticket and reports of denial of admission to Christian youths in some federal universities in the North on religious grounds should not be allowed to undermine unity.

The Synod reaffirmed its commitment to be a faithful witness to Christ and instrument of transformation, urging Nigerians to embrace justice, peace and accountability to secure a prosperous future.

(NAN)