METHODIST Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos Mainland, has called on governments at all levels to adopt inclusive and people-oriented policies capable of reducing the suffering of citizens, especially the vulnerable.

It also advocated transparent and accountable management of public funds and promotion of local production and economic diversification, as well as increased investment in infrastructure, education, and human capital development.

It made the call in a communiqué it issued yesterday at the 32nd synod of the church.On the state of the nation, the Synod commended the Lagos State Government for improvements in educational and healthcare infrastructure but urged greater attention to community policing and intelligence gathering to combat insecurity.

The Synod expressed concern over the persistent hardship facing Nigerians, including insecurity, inflation, unemployment, high fuel prices, declining purchasing power, inequality, and unstable electricity supply.

In the communiques signed by the Diocesan Lay President, Sir Olusola O. Adu, and the Archbishop and Bishop of Lagos Mainland, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Obafemi B. Adeleye, the Synod also emphasised that good governance must be built on integrity, accountability, justice, and selfless service.

It therefore called for stronger democratic institutions, strict adherence to the rule of law, credible elections, and a sincere fight against corruption. It urged political leaders to place national interest above ethnic, religious, and personal considerations.

The Synod described insecurity as a major threat to national stability and economic growth, and urged security agencies to adopt more proactive and intelligence-driven approaches, while government should address the root causes of insecurity, especially poverty and unemployment.

The communique further read: “The Synod further stressed the need for justice, fairness, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians regardless of ethnic or religious differences. It advocated continuous dialogue, reconciliation, protection of human rights, and equal opportunities for all citizens.

“Finally, the Synod reaffirmed the prophetic role of the Church in speaking truth to authority, defending justice, and offering hope to the society. It encouraged the Church to continue contributing to national development through education, healthcare, empowerment programmes, humanitarian services, and the promotion of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.”

It noted that with the assurance that despite Nigeria’s challenges, the nation could attain peace, unity, and sustainable development through faith in God, responsible governance, justice, and active participation of all citizens. The Synod pledged continued prayers for the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria.

The 32nd Synod held at Methodist Church Nigeria, Gowon Estate Circuit, Lagos, from Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3, 2026, under the leadership of Most Rev. Dr. Obafemi B. Adeleye, Archbishop and Bishop of Lagos Mainland, alongside the Diocesan Lay President, Sir Olusola O. Adu, had the theme: “I Will Fight for You” (Exodus 14:14).

After prayerful deliberations on spiritual, ecclesiastical, socio-economic, and national matters, the Synod reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to serving as a moral and spiritual guide in society.

It acknowledged that although Nigeria was richly blessed with human and natural resources, the nation had continued to face serious economic, political, and security challenges.

“In view of this, the Synod stressed the need for faith in God, responsible leadership, and collective action toward national renewal and development.

On spiritual matters, the Synod emphasised the importance of aggressive evangelism and set a vision of winning an additional five million worshippers for Christ by the year 2050.

It further recommended that worship services should be made more vibrant and spiritually engaging.