By Charles Igwe
The Catholic Bishops of Nigeria have elected a new leadership team to steer the affairs of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), marking a significant transition in the Church’s governance at a time of mounting national and pastoral challenges.
The elections took place on Monday, February 24, 2026, during the First Plenary Assembly of the bishops held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja. At the end of the process, Archbishop Matthew Man’oso Ndagoso of Kaduna was elected as the new President of the Conference. He will be supported by Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos, who emerged as Vice President.
Also elected were Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta as Secretary and Bishop Peter Chukwu of Abakaliki as Assistant Secretary. In addition, several bishops were chosen to oversee various directorates, departments, and agencies under the Catholic Secretariat, reflecting the broad administrative and pastoral scope of the Conference.
The new leadership is expected to guide the Church in Nigeria through a period marked by insecurity, economic hardship, and growing social tensions, while strengthening the Church’s role in national dialogue, peacebuilding, and moral guidance. Observers believe the new officers will also focus on youth formation, evangelization, interreligious engagement, and the protection of human dignity.
The official presentation of the newly elected officers is scheduled to take place at the closing ceremony of the plenary on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The announcement was signed by the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo.
