Catholic bishops launch Apostolate to care for migrants, refugees in Nigeria

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has launched the Apostolate of Pastoral Care of Migration, a new initiative aimed at providing spiritual and material support to migrants and refugees in Nigeria.

Themed, ‘Fostering Collaborative Engagement of Church and State for Migrants and Refugees Assistance’, the launch marked a significant step towards addressing the needs of displaced individuals across the country.

Yohanna Bulus, the episcopal chairman, Migrants and Refugees unit, CBCN, emphasised the unit’s mission to provide pastoral care to migrants of all categories.

He noted that the creation of the local office was a direct response to the Pope’s injunction urging the universal church to provide care and dignity to migrants.

According to him, the launch marked the beginning of a new era of collaboration between the Church and state in addressing the needs of migrants and refugees in Nigeria.

He stated that with the participation of diocesan coordinators from across Nigeria and representatives of related agencies, the initiative is expected to make a significant impact in the lives of displaced individuals across Nigeria.

Ignatius Kaigama, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, in his keynote speech, called for a more proactive and compassionate approach to migration, aligning with the principles advocated by Pope Francis.

He condemned the numerous challenges faced by migrants and refugees in Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Augustine Akhogba, the Episcopal Secretary, Migrants and Refugees unit, CBCN, described the launch as a significant moment of compassion, solidarity, and advocacy for migrants and refugees.

He emphasised the importance of pastoral care in addressing the challenges faced by migrants and refugees.

The launch brought together stakeholders from the government, civil society, and international organisations to discuss ways of providing compassionate and inclusive support to migrants and refugees.