The Methodist Church Nigeria, on Monday, urged the Federal Government to take more decisive measures to tackle worsening insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, corruption and declining living standards, warning that increased government revenues and allocations have yet to translate into meaningful improvements in the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

The church also backed the establishment of State Police, describing it as a necessary component of comprehensive security reform that would strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering and enable faster responses to emerging security threats across the country.

The positions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria.

Presenting the communiqué at a press conference held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Light, Agodi Gate, Ibadan, the Prelate of the church, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Aba, said the conference had prayerfully reflected on the condition of the church and the nation.

He said despite the difficulties confronting Nigeria, the country could overcome its challenges through faith, righteousness, justice and collective action.

It therefore urged Nigerians “not to surrender to fear or despair, but to remain steadfast in faith, uphold righteousness, pursue justice, and work together for the peace and progress of the nation.”

On the economy, the church acknowledged reform efforts by the government in some key sectors but expressed “deep concern over the worsening economic hardship, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and declining living standards confronting millions of Nigerians.”

It identified “corruption, impunity, and the mismanagement of public resources as major impediments to national development,” stressing that the country’s economic difficulties required stronger accountability and leadership focused on the welfare of citizens.

The Conference noted that “despite increased revenues to the Federal Government and higher allocations to states and local governments, the expected improvement in citizens’ welfare remains largely elusive.”

It also raised concerns over the implementation of constituency projects, noting that “substantial constituency project appropriations have often failed to produce visible grassroots development.”

The church, therefore, demanded “transparent, accountable, and people-centred leadership that confronts corruption decisively, safeguards public resources, promotes investment, food security, and job creation, and ensures that the benefits of economic reforms reach ordinary Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.”

On insecurity, the Conference expressed deep concern over persistent killings and violent attacks across the country, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, as well as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts and other forms of violent criminality threatening lives and national stability.

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