Press Briefing After the Closing Mass of the First Plenary of the 2026 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria

Press Briefing After the Closing Mass of the First Plenary of the 2026 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) concluded its first plenary of 2026 at the Catholic Secretariat, Durumi, Abuja, with a solemn closing Mass followed by a media press briefing that captured the essence of the bishops’ deliberations and resolutions.  

The briefing opened with the announcement of Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna as the newly elected President of the CBCN, succeeding Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, whose tenure ended at the plenary.

The Resolutions of the Bishops’ Plenary

The Resolutions of the Bishops’ Plenary

The closing Mass of the First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja was not only a liturgical climax but also the moment when the bishops’ collective voice was crystallized into a communiqué.

This document, issued at the Catholic Secretariat in Durumi, captured the essence of their deliberations and set forth a roadmap for the Church’s engagement with Nigeria’s pressing realities. 

Editorial: A Sacred Culmination at Durumi

A Sacred Culmination at Durumi

Yesterday, the Catholic Secretariat in Durumi, Abuja, became the spiritual epicenter of Nigeria’s Catholic community as the First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for 2026 drew to a close with a solemn Mass.

The week-long gathering, themed “The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria,” was not merely an ecclesiastical formality but a profound reflection on the Church’s prophetic role in guiding a nation at a crossroads.  

Archbishop Ndagoso and the New Era of Catholic Leadership in Nigeria

Archbishop Ndagoso and the New Era of Catholic Leadership in Nigeria

The election of Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso as the new president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) marks a significant turning point in the life of the Church in Nigeria.

His rise to this position is not merely a matter of succession; it is a story of resilience, faith, and the enduring relevance of the Catholic Church in a nation grappling with social, political, and spiritual challenges.

Ndagoso Elected New President Of Catholic Bishops Conference Of Nigeria

The Story of Archbishop Ndagoso’s Election as CBCN President

In the heart of Abuja, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, a new chapter unfolded for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). The bishops gathered for their first plenary assembly of 2026, and from their deliberations emerged a new leader: Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna.

He was elected as the new president of the CBCN, succeeding Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Owerri, whose four-year tenure had come to an end.

Tinubu Appoints Tunji Disu As Acting Inspector-General Of Police

Tinubu Appoints Tunji Disu As Acting Inspector-General of Police

In the unfolding narrative of Nigeria’s security leadership, a new chapter was written on February 24, 2026 as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally accepted the resignation of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down citing pressing family considerations.

His departure marked the end of a tenure that began in June 2023 and was originally slated to run until 2027. Tinubu, in his statement, expressed deep gratitude for Egbetokun’s decades of service, praising his professionalism and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

AGF withdraws criminal charges against Mike Ozekhome

AGF Withdraws Criminal Charges Against Mike Ozekhome

On February 24, 2026, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) formally withdrew the criminal charges filed against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome.

The charges, which revolved around allegations of forgery, had been initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). This development marks a significant turn in a case that had attracted considerable public and legal attention.  

FULL LIST: ADC Records Zero Victory As APC, PDP Share Spoils In FCT

ADC Records Zero Victory as APC, PDP Share Spoils in FCT

The recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections have underscored the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s capital, with the party securing five out of six chairmanship seats.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed to clinch only one seat, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) failed to secure any victories, highlighting its diminishing influence in the region.

According to official figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC candidates emerged victorious in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje Area Councils.

Akume’s Call for Faith-Government Synergy

Akume’s Call for Faith-Government Synergy

At the first plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) 2026, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Catholic Church.

His message was not merely ceremonial; it was a deliberate appeal to strengthen the moral and institutional partnership between state and faith in pursuit of national stability and development.

The Themes Shaping the 2026 CBCN Plenary

The Themes Shaping the 2026 CBCN Plenary

The Opening Mass of the First Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja has set the stage for a week of intense reflection and dialogue.

Beyond the liturgical solemnity, the bishops have signaled the issues that will dominate their deliberations, and these themes reveal both the pastoral concerns of the Church and the pressing realities of Nigerian society. 

Opening Mass of the First Plenary of the 2026 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria

Opening Mass of the First Plenary of the 2026 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) formally commenced its First Plenary of 2026 today, Sunday, February 22, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Durumi, Abuja.

The event began with the solemn Opening Mass, a liturgical celebration that set the spiritual tone for the week-long deliberations of the bishops. 

CBCN Resolutions Versus Nigeria’s Political Realities

CBCN Resolutions Versus Nigeria’s Political Realities

The First 2026 Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria was a moment of moral clarity, but its resolutions now stand in stark contrast to the political realities of the nation.

The bishops’ call for integrity in leadership was unequivocal, urging those in power to abandon corruption and self-interest. Yet Nigeria’s political climate continues to be marred by allegations of graft, patronage, and a lack of transparency.

The bishops’ vision of governance as service remains aspirational, while the lived reality often reflects entrenched systems of privilege and exploitation.

Resolutions of the First 2026 CBCN Plenary

Resolutions of the First 2026 CBCN Plenary

The First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in 2026 was more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a moral intervention at a time of national uncertainty.

Meeting in Abuja under the theme “The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria,” the bishops issued a communiqué that blended pastoral concern with civic urgency. Their resolutions spoke directly to the conscience of both the Church and the nation.  

At the heart of their message was a call for integrity in leadership. The bishops insisted that Nigeria’s political class must abandon corruption, nepotism, and self-interest, replacing them with service, accountability, and a genuine pursuit of the common good.

Special Report: The First 2026 CBCN Plenary

Special Report: The First 2026 CBCN Plenary

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) convened its first plenary assembly of 2026 in Abuja, marking a significant moment of reflection and pastoral direction for the Church and the nation.

The gathering opened with a solemn Mass at St. Gabriel’s Chaplaincy, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, on the First Sunday of Lent. Archbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama of the Abuja Archdiocese delivered the homily, urging Christians and national leaders alike to resist the allure of worldly pleasures and instead embrace integrity, service, and spiritual renewal.

Dangote Refinery, NNPCL Will Work Together, ‘Make Nigerians Proud’ - Dangote

Dangote Refinery and NNPCL - A Partnership to Make Nigerians Proud

In a moment of optimism for Nigeria’s energy future, Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has reaffirmed his company’s commitment to working hand in hand with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

During a tour of the Dangote Refinery by NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, Dangote emphasized that both organizations share a common mission: advancing Nigeria’s industrial and energy capacity. His words, “I think the sky is the limit… we will cooperate and also make sure that we work together to make sure that we make Nigerians proud,” capture the spirit of collaboration that could redefine the nation’s economic trajectory.

Wike Describes FCT Council Polls as ‘Peaceful’

Wike’s Peaceful Polls and the Persistent Challenge of Voter Turnout

The recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections have been described by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, as peaceful.

His assessment, delivered after monitoring polling units across Abuja, paints a picture of an orderly exercise unmarred by violence or ballot snatching.

Yet beneath this calm lies a deeper issue that continues to plague Nigeria’s democratic process: voter apathy in urban centres.

The First 2025 CBCN Plenary: An Editorial Reflection

Symbolic Photo

The First 2025 CBCN Plenary: An Editorial Reflection

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) convened its first plenary of 2025 at the CSN Resource Centre, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja, from March 8 to 14.

The gathering was framed under the theme “The Jubilee Year of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria”, a deliberate invocation of renewal and resilience in a nation grappling with political, economic, and social turbulence.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria: A Voice of Unity and Faith

Symbolic Photo

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria: A Voice of Unity and Faith

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) stands as the collective body of Catholic bishops across the nation, representing more than thirty million faithful spread throughout Nigeria’s thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Established formally in 1977, the CBCN embodies the collegial spirit of the episcopacy, serving as a forum where bishops, archbishops, and cardinals unite in communion with the Pope to guide the Church in Nigeria. It is both a spiritual and organizational anchor, ensuring that the Catholic Church speaks with one voice on matters of faith, morality, and national life.

Abuja’s Area Council Elections: A Catalyst for National Electoral Reform

Abuja’s Area Council Elections: A Catalyst for National Electoral Reform

The Federal Capital Territory’s Area Council elections have long served as more than a local democratic exercise, they have become a proving ground for Nigeria’s broader electoral ambitions. 

Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Abuja’s unique status has meant that its local elections are conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), unlike other states where local government elections fall under state electoral commissions. This distinction has positioned the FCT polls as a benchmark for electoral integrity and innovation.

FCT Residents Head To Polls For Area Council Elections

FCT Residents Head to Polls for Area Council Elections

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) witnessed a significant democratic exercise on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as residents turned out to elect chairmen and councillors for the six Area Councils.

Unlike the 36 states of Nigeria where such polls are referred to as local government elections, the FCT uniquely designates them as Area Council elections. 

These councils, Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali, serve as the closest elected bodies to the people, directly responsible for essential services such as water, sanitation, local roads, schools, and healthcare.

Civil Society Advocacy and INEC’s Public Engagement: Lessons from Abuja’s Area Council Elections

Civil Society Advocacy and INEC’s Public Engagement: Lessons from Abuja’s Area Council Elections

The Area Council elections in Abuja have not only shaped local governance but have also become a focal point for civil society advocacy aimed at reforming Nigeria’s electoral landscape. 

Over the years, organizations such as the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Centre LSD, and others under the Nigeria SCALE project have leveraged these elections to push for greater transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

How Past Area Council Elections in Abuja Have Influenced National Debates on Electoral Reforms

How Past Area Council Elections in Abuja Have Influenced National Debates on Electoral Reforms

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections have long served as a crucible for testing Nigeria’s electoral integrity. 

Unlike other local government elections conducted by state electoral commissions, Abuja’s polls are administered directly by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), making them a unique benchmark for national standards. 

Over the years, these elections have not only shaped local governance but have also sparked broader conversations about electoral reforms across the country.

FCT Area Council Poll: Re-Examining Antecedents of Election Process in Abuja

FCT Area Council Poll: Re-Examining Antecedents of Election Process in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections stand apart in Nigeria’s democratic framework. 

Unlike the 36 states that conduct local government polls through their respective state electoral commissions, Abuja’s unique status as the nation’s capital means that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) directly oversees its Area Council elections. 

This arrangement not only elevates the stakes of what might otherwise be considered municipal contests but also underscores the broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.

The Six Area Councils of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory

The Six Area Councils of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is often seen through the lens of Abuja’s grandeur as Nigeria’s seat of power. 

Yet, beneath the national spotlight lies a decentralized framework of governance that ensures the capital is not merely a federal enclave but a living, breathing community. 

This framework is embodied in the six Area Councils, each with its own identity, challenges, and contributions to the wider territory.

The Role and Significance of Area Councils in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory

 

The Role and Significance of Area Councils in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria occupies a unique position in the nation’s political and administrative structure. 

Unlike the 36 states of the federation, the FCT does not have an elected governor. Instead, it is administered directly by a Minister appointed by the President. Yet, beneath this centralized arrangement lies a democratic framework at the grassroots level: the Area Councils. 

These councils serve as the equivalent of local government authorities in the FCT, ensuring that governance and development reach communities across the territory.