Nigerian Catholic Bishops Elect New Leadership at 2026 First Plenary

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has formally elected new leaders following deliberations at its 2026 First Plenary Meeting. The plenary, which held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja, brought together Catholic bishops from across the country under the theme “Leadership and the Common Good.”

According to an official statement released at the end of the meeting, the elections took place on February 24, 2026, after days of prayer, reflection, and consultations among members of the Conference. The process culminated in the emergence of new principal officers tasked with guiding the CBCN at a time when the Church continues to engage pressing national and moral issues in Nigeria.

Newly Elected Principal Officers

At the conclusion of the electoral process, Matthew Man’oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, was elected President of the Conference. He succeeds the immediate past leadership and is expected to provide pastoral and moral direction to the Catholic Church in Nigeria, while also serving as a prominent voice on national issues.

Elected as Vice President is Alfred Adewale Martins, the Archbishop of Lagos. Known for his longstanding engagement with social justice, governance, and interfaith dialogue, Archbishop Martins is expected to support the President in coordinating the activities of the Conference.

The position of Secretary was entrusted to Peter Odetoyinbo, Bishop of Abeokuta, while Peter Chukwu emerged as Assistant Secretary. Together, the secretariat leadership will oversee the administrative coordination, documentation, and communication of CBCN decisions and policies.

In addition to these principal officers, several other bishops were elected to head various directorates, departments, and units of the Catholic Secretariat and CBCN agencies, ensuring continuity and effective governance within the institutional structures of the Church.

Formal Presentation and Closing Ceremony

The newly elected officers are scheduled to be officially presented at the closing ceremony of the First Plenary on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. During a solemn Holy Mass presided over by the immediate past President of the Conference and Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, certificates of election were formally presented to the new leadership.

This liturgical event was followed by a press conference in which the Communiqué issued at the end of the Plenary was shared with members of the media and the Catholic faithful. The Communiqué summarised key resolutions and reflections arising from the bishops’ deliberations, particularly on leadership, justice, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.

Message of Gratitude and Call for Prayers

In a message signed by Michael Ayanleke Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the Conference expressed profound gratitude to clergy, religious, and lay faithful for their prayers and support throughout the Plenary Assembly. Fr. Banjo emphasised that the success of the meeting was rooted in collective spiritual solidarity and discernment.

He also appealed to Nigerian Catholics and people of goodwill to continue praying for the newly elected leaders as they assume the responsibility of guiding the Conference over the next four years. According to him, the task ahead requires wisdom, humility, and courage, especially in a socio-political environment marked by economic hardship, insecurity, and moral challenges.

A New Chapter for the CBCN

Observers within the Church note that the election of new leaders represents a fresh chapter for the CBCN, with expectations that the Conference will sustain its advocacy for peace, social justice, and the dignity of human life. The emphasis on “Leadership and the Common Good” underscores the bishops’ intention to model servant leadership both within the Church and in their engagement with Nigerian society.

As the new leadership takes office, many faithful hope that the fruits of the 2026 Plenary Assembly will inspire renewed commitment to ethical leadership, strengthen the Church’s prophetic voice, and contribute positively to national development.