By Ade Iyamoye
The Catholic Church in Nigeria has officially banned the payment of sitting allowances to members and leaders of lay apostolate groups and pious societies, reiterating its long-standing stance on financial discipline, accountability, and servant leadership within the Church.
This directive was reinforced during the 2025 Leadership Retreat for Chaplains, Sister Advisors, Presidents, and Secretaries of Catholic Lay Groups in Nigeria, held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja on July 11.
Delivering his address at the retreat, the Deputy Secretary General and Director, Pastoral Agents Department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Augustine Okochi, in the presence of prominent Church leaders including the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna, and Bishop of Uyo and CBCN Chairman for the Laity, Most Rev. John Ebebe Ayah emphasized the non-negotiable compliance with the CBCN directives.
Fr. Okochi stated that all lay organizations and pious societies must cease the practice of disbursing sitting allowances, regardless of what their individual constitutions may permit.
“The bishops’ directives are not subject to approval by officers of lay apostolate groups,” he said. “Our shepherds have provided these guidelines for the growth and sanctity of the Church.”
He further warned against impunity and financial misconduct among lay leaders.
“Some church leaders have continued to resist the CBCN’s directive on accountability. This must stop.
“In the Church, everyone is accountable to one another, to the bishops, and ultimately to God,” he noted.
The retreat also addressed several pressing concerns affecting the laity, including lack of collaboration, disregard for CBCN rotational office guidelines among the old regions of Lagos, Onitsha, and Kaduna, and the improper handling of group finances.
Fr. Okochi lamented the infiltration of secularism, materialism, and disunity in some church circles, which he said threaten the spiritual mission of lay apostolate work.
However, he urged leaders to see these challenges as opportunities for deeper spiritual formation, renewed commitment to Catholic Social Teaching (CST), and stronger civic engagement.
He commended lay leaders for their vital role in education, healthcare, social justice advocacy, youth formation, and humanitarian services, noting that the Church in Nigeria thrives significantly because of their tireless efforts.
“This retreat is not just a time for reflection, but a sacred opportunity to renew your spirit and rekindle your zeal for service,” Fr. Okochi submitted, invoking God’s blessings on all present.
The annual retreat gathered Catholic lay leaders from across the country for spiritual renewal and strategic guidance in their various apostolate.
On his part, Bishop Ayah called for deeper collaboration and mutual respect between the laity and clergy to advance the Church’s mission in Nigeria.
Bishop described the lay apostolate as indispensable to the vitality of the Church and emphasized that unity of purpose is essential for true evangelization.
He reaffirmed that the Church is fundamentally structured on the principles of collegiality and shared mission, urging both clergy and lay faithful to work together in humility and love.
“The Church thrives when the clergy and laity function in mutual interdependence.
“The priests and religious carry out their ministry more effectively through the dedication and support of lay faithful, just as the lay apostolate is nourished by the presence and guidance of ordained ministers.
“The Church cannot fully exist without the laity. Their role in evangelization, social justice, education, charity, and family life is essential to the Church’s presence in society,” he asserted.
Bishop Ayah emphasized the need for lay leaders to deepen their spiritual formation, remain committed to Catholic Social Teaching, and engage actively in both ecclesial and civil responsibilities.
He further warned against divisions, secularism, and self-promotion among lay leaders, calling instead for unity, transparency, and integrity in service.
Speaking at the retreat, the Secretary General (SG), Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, appealed to Catholic lay apostolate groups and chaplains to become more nationally relevant by addressing pressing social issues and embodying the Church’s mission of justice, mercy, and transformation.
According to him, the retreat is a sacred opportunity to reflect not only on internal Church matters but on how the laity and clergy can act together as agents of renewal in a country facing insecurity, economic hardship, and a crisis of leadership.
“Let this retreat not just be another internal Church event, but a prophetic response to our national crisis.
“We gather not simply for personal renewal, but to return to our communities as courageous agents of transformation,” Fr. Banjo admonished.
The SG emphasized the urgent need for apostolate groups and pious societies to go beyond devotional activities and actively engage in Nigeria’s social realities.
He called on Catholic lay leaders to prioritize national relevance across spheres including politics, markets, education, and civil society.
