Methodist Church Nigeria has called on the Federal Government and other leaders across the country to intensify efforts to address worsening economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and declining living standards confronting Nigerians.

The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of Methodist Church Nigeria, held in the Archdiocese of Ibadan from Sunday, August 2, to Sunday, August 9, 2026.

The conference, held under the theme, “I Will Fight for You”, drawn from Exodus 14:14, was led by the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, JP.

The church expressed concern over what it described as worsening economic hardship, hunger, insecurity, unemployment and declining living standards, identifying corruption, impunity and mismanagement of public resources as major obstacles to national development.

It noted that despite increased revenues accruing to the Federal Government and higher allocations to states and local governments, improvements in citizens’ welfare remained largely elusive.

The church also raised concerns over constituency projects, saying substantial appropriations had often failed to translate into visible grassroots development.

It therefore urged government at all levels to embrace transparent, accountable and people-centred leadership, confront corruption decisively, protect public resources, promote investment and food security, create jobs and ensure that the benefits of economic reforms reach ordinary Nigerians, particularly poor and vulnerable citizens.

On insecurity, the Methodist Church expressed deep concern over persistent killings and violent attacks in parts of the country, particularly Benue and Plateau States, as well as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts.

The church, however, commended the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, alongside other abductees rescued in Ogun, Kwara and Niger States.

It applauded the Federal Government, the affected state governments and security agencies for the rescue operations.

The church also reiterated its support for the establishment of State Police, describing it as part of a comprehensive security reform capable of strengthening grassroots security, intelligence gathering and rapid response to emerging threats.

It further supported government’s resolve not to pay ransom to kidnappers and pledged the church’s prayers, resources and moral support towards efforts to end insecurity.

The conference condemned recent xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, describing them as an affront to human dignity, African solidarity and peaceful coexistence.

It commended the Nigerian government for evacuating affected Nigerians and called for stronger diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa to protect Nigerians and strengthen relations between the two countries.

The church reaffirmed the sanctity of human life and condemned sexual and gender-based violence, child abuse, human trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable people.

It also welcomed the temporary truce between the Federal Government and the National Association of Resident Doctors, urging both parties to sustain dialogue and promptly implement agreed measures to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.

On democracy and governance, Methodist Church Nigeria welcomed the Federal Government’s reaffirmation of its commitment to democratic governance and respect for the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

It urged political actors to uphold the rule of law and ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.

The church also called on public office holders to demonstrate integrity, humility, justice, accountability and compassion in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The conference encouraged sustained consultation between government and faith-based organisations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Christian Council of Nigeria.

It said faith communities continue to play indispensable roles in education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral formation, urging such partnerships to translate into tangible improvements in governance, security, economic recovery and citizens’ welfare.

The church also congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, a Methodist, on her election as the incoming President of the Nigerian Bar Association, praying for wisdom and strength for her new national responsibility.

The Methodist Church Nigeria expressed appreciation to the government and people of Oyo State for their hospitality and support during the conference.

It particularly commended the state government and security agencies for providing a peaceful and secure environment throughout the event, praying for continued peace, progress and prosperity in the state.

The conference concluded with a call to Nigerians to reject fear, hopelessness and division, while urging leaders to govern with justice, accountability, compassion and the fear of God.

The communiqué, issued on August 9, 2026, was signed by the Secretary of Conference, Rt. Rev. Dr. Babatunde A. Taiwo; Conference Lay President, Sir (Ide) Ifeanyi N. Okechukwu, KJW; and the Prelate, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, JP.

The Conference was featured ordination service for 119 priests and consecration of two bishops, and elections and transition of Bishops and Archbishops.