As the 2025 Christmas season approaches, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, has advised Christians to adopt modest spending habits and limit unnecessary travel due to the country’s current socio-economic and security challenges.
Speaking at the 2025 Carnival for Christ celebration in Abuja, Ndukuba reminded Nigerians that difficult times call for prudent choices.
He stressed that while God does not desire that people live in hardship, wise financial planning is necessary to get through the season and beyond.
He cautioned:
“Don’t spend all you have in order to celebrate Christmas. Know that by January, we will be paying house rent, we will be paying school fees, and therefore, we need to celebrate this year’s Christmas modestly. If you have much, eat; if you don’t have, enjoy what you have.”
On security concerns, the Primate urged Christians to act with both wisdom and caution, especially when considering travel.
“Even though there are security challenges, please let us be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves. Let us not engage in travel at a very delicate time, and if your health is not good, look for a place to rest instead of risking it. We pray that the Lord will keep us safe.”
Ndukuba expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current security and economic challenges, adding that God still has “much to do” in the lives of individuals, families, the church, and the nation.
He praised the ongoing efforts of the federal government and security agencies to ensure a peaceful festive season.
He encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope:
“Let no man, no woman, no family give up… God has not finished with us, and we pray that as we celebrate, the Lord will open the fallow grounds unto us and lead us to higher grounds.”
Ndukuba explained that the week-long Carnival for Christ celebrates God’s love.
The theme, “Break Up Your Fallow Ground,” he said, emphasizes untapped areas in personal, family, spiritual, and economic life that can become fruitful if properly nurtured.
The guest preacher, Rt Rev Paul Udogu of the Anglican Diocese of Afikpo, also urged Nigerians to seek God’s face during this critical period.
He reminded Christians of the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection and encouraged them to show love to all, regardless of religious differences.
