Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops Advocate for High Technology in Security and National Development

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria is advocating for the use of high technology by state and federal governments to improve security through better intelligence gathering. They also stress the need for enhanced remuneration for security personnel, job creation, and investment in agriculture, while highlighting the importance of educational access and encouraging citizen participation in elections. Additionally, they acknowledge positive government initiatives amid ongoing challenges.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called upon state and federal governments to implement advanced technology solutions to enhance intelligence gathering and tackle the nation’s security challenges. This request was outlined in a communiqué released following their First Plenary Assembly held from March 8 to March 14 at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja.

The Bishops emphasized the necessity for improved remuneration for security personnel, stating that better compensation would motivate personnel to fulfill their duties effectively. They indicated, “For the provision of security of life and property in our nation, we urge that governments at all levels deploy high technology, like is already done in some states, to complement the efforts of security agencies for efficient intelligence gathering.”

In addition to the implementation of high technology, the CBCN is advocating for the creation of job opportunities through continuous investment in agriculture. This focus aims to engage youth and ensure food sustainability by increasing production and decreasing food costs. They noted, “With improved security and safety for farmers, there will be greater production of food and reduction in the escalated cost of food all over Nigeria.”

The Bishops also addressed barriers to national cohesion, criticizing government orders for school closures during the Ramadan period in certain states. They asserted, “We demand that those governments that ordered the closure of all schools in some parts of the country withdraw such orders in the light of the rights of the children to education and the multi-religious nature of our society.”

Furthermore, the Bishops encouraged Nigerians to move past disappointments from the 2023 general elections and participate actively in future electoral processes. They advocated for strengthening electoral laws and sincere execution of duties by institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission, urging citizens to insist on transparency and integrity in governance.

Lastly, the CBCN acknowledged positive developments from the government, such as improvements in the petroleum sector, infrastructure rehabilitation, and the introduction of new welfare measures, including a student loan scheme and a revised minimum wage. These initiatives were recognized as steps towards progress in the country.

In conclusion, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria are advocating for the use of advanced technology to enhance national security while urging for better remuneration for security personnel. Their emphasis on job creation and agricultural investment reflects a commitment to address socio-economic challenges. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of educational rights and call for greater citizen engagement in the democratic process, acknowledging some positive strides of the government alongside areas needing improvement.

Original Source: www.aciafrica.org