By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh
The Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Very Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, has officially announced the commencement of the First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for the year 2026.
The week-long assembly is scheduled to hold from Thursday, 19 February to Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja.
This year’s plenary is centered on the theme:
”THE COMMON GOOD AND LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA.”
The bishops will discuss matters concerning the Church, and also reflect on the Church’s prophetic role in navigating the nation’s current socio-economic challenges and the moral imperative for national rebirth.
The assembly will feature a series of spiritual and administrative activities, including: Opening Mass, to invoke the Holy Spirit’s guidance; Formal Opening Ceremony, featuring the Enthronement of the Bible, addresses from the CBCN President, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, and invited dignitaries. There will also be interactive sessions with various organs of the Church and leaders of lay sodality groups.
Additionally, the bishops will hold private sessions to deliberate on matters affecting the Church and the Nigerian state.
The assembly will culminate in the issuance of a Communiqué to be read at the closing Mass on Wednesday 25 February, detailing the bishops’ stance on national issues and pastoral directions for the faithful.
The Secretary General invites all the lay faithful and people of goodwill to accompany the bishops with prayers for a successful and fruitful deliberation.
