By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
The Catholic Bishop of Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on Nigerian leaders to address the excessive cost of governance that continues to hinder national development.
Speaking at the 16th Annual National Conference of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria (APKMN) held in Lagos, on Friday, he emphasised the need for prudence and efficiency in leadership, particularly during these challenging times.
According to the archbishop, a significant portion of the national budget is directed towards governance rather than addressing the pressing needs of the masses. This, he argued, perpetuates poverty and hardship across the country.
Archbishop Martins criticised the expansion of ministerial positions at the federal level, advocating instead for competent and prudent governance in line with constitutional provisions.
He reminded Catholics to uphold the core values of holiness and perfection as taught by Jesus Christ. He acknowledged that the harsh economic realities in Nigeria have made it increasingly difficult for people to stay true to their faith, as some are tempted to abandon Catholic teachings in pursuit of alternative doctrines.
Themed “Living an Authentic Catholic Life: Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria,” the two-day conference brought together participants from across Nigeria’s nine ecclesiastical provinces: Abuja, Benin, Calabar, Ibadan, Jos, Kaduna, Lagos, Onitsha, and Owerri.
Dr. Pius Kii of the Catholic Institute of West Africa, who delivered the keynote address, reinforced the archbishop’s call for authenticity in faith.