Catholic Church in Nigeria Launches Initiative to Empower Pastoral Agents Championing Courses for Migrants, Refugees

Abuja, 24 May, 2025 / 11:00 PM

In response to Nigeria’s growing migration and displacement crisis, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), the administrative headquarters of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has launched a nationwide capacity-building workshop targeting pastoral agents to champion the courses of migrants and refugees across the West African nation.

Speaking to ACI Africa on Thursday, May 22 on the sidelines of the workshop, the Secretary of the CNS’s Migrants and Refugees Unit, which has facilitated the realization of the workshop explained the initiative’s core objective.

“We are addressing both the material and spiritual needs of migrants and refugees. These are people of faith, like everyone else. They deserve to maintain a constant relationship with God even as they go through difficult journeys. Preserving and cultivating their faith is a top priority in our pastoral care,” Fr. Augustine Akhogba said.

Fr. Akhogba emphasized the Church’s longstanding commitment to the courses of migrants and refugees, referencing the 1952 Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius XII, Exsul Familia Nazarethana, as well as earlier traditions like Pilgrims’ Halls in the eighth century.

“Pope Pius XII encouraged Bishops to ensure that migrants could celebrate liturgies in their own language, recognizing how crucial this is to maintain a sense of belonging and faith,” he said.

The Nigerian Catholic Priest explained that the Church’s support goes beyond prayers and liturgies. “We organize devotions, administer Sacraments, and offer instruction to help migrants and refugees view their journey through the eyes of faith. These are practical steps that help them cope with trauma and uncertainty,” he said.

The Secretary of the CNS’s Migrants and Refugees Unit further addressed the psychological and emotional toll of migration, highlighting the plight of victims of trafficking and spiritual manipulation. 

“Many victims of trafficking and smuggling have been subjected to spiritual bondage through charms and covenants. They look to the Church for liberation and protection. Regular visits by pastoral agents to camps and places where migrants stay show that the Church remains close to them,” Fr. Akhogba told ACI Africa during the May 22 interview.

The one-day workshop brought together participants from all 60 Catholic Dioceses of Nigeria thanks to the collaboration with German organizations that partner with the Church on humanitarian and development work, including Misereor and Missio Aachen.

“This is a country-wide program. We are training coordinators and pastoral agents to support people spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, and economically. This is about building capacity for long-term service,” Fr. Akhogba said.

He recognized with appreciation the Church’s multi-level approach to supporting migrants and refugees, which he said spans Diocesan, Parish, and national structures, with plans underway to reach beneficiaries both in camps and those integrated into host communities.

“We hope to mobilize the resources needed to provide meaningful support wherever migrants are found. This includes not only spiritual guidance but also practical help with livelihood, counselling, and reintegration,” the Nigerian Catholic Priest told ACI Africa.

He also spoke about the NCS’s partnership with government agencies such as National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), adding, “This partnership strengthens our outreach and deepens our impact.”

Despite logistical and financial hurdles, Fr. Akhogba said, optimism is vitally important. “We are laying the foundation for a sustainable national structure of support. This is just the beginning,” he told ACI Africa on the sidelines of the nationwide capacity-building workshop targeting pastoral agents to champion the courses of migrants and refugees across Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation.

The workshop sessions included topics such as trauma counselling, conflict resolution, humanitarian response, and skills development, he said, describing them as essential tools for those working with displaced populations. 

“We are acting with compassion, coordination, and a clear mission. This is a defining moment. The Church is standing with those displaced, offering dignity, hope, and accompaniment,” Fr. Akhogba said.

Also speaking to ACI Africa on May 22, the Head of the Misereor Dialogue and Partnership Service in Nigeria, Mrs. Julia Krojer, outlined some causes of displacement, saying that “climate change, insecurity, and unemployment are key drivers.”

“Our long-term partnerships help tackle these root causes through peacebuilding, agriculture, and water access,” Mrs. Krojer said.

On his part, Fr. Paul Nse Abium of the Catholic Archdiocese of Calabar, a workshop participant, recounted how greed, land disputes, and communal violence often trigger displacement. 

Fr. Paul lauded the Church’s efforts to change mindsets and promote local development. 

“We want people to believe they can thrive where they are. Faith, agriculture, and practical skills can help young people build stable lives without being forced to migrate,” he told ACI Africa on May 22.  

Fr. Paul called for a shift in societal values, saying, “The overemphasis on white-collar jobs has left many youths disillusioned. Encouraging entrepreneurship, farming, and creativity could reduce both migration and social unrest.”