The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has elected Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, as its new President during the ongoing First Plenary Assembly at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja.
The election, held on Tuesday, 24 February, 2026, marks a leadership transition for the Conference, which represents over 250 Catholic bishops and serves millions of faithful across the country. Archbishop Ndagoso succeeds Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri, who completed his four-year term since assuming the presidency in March 2022.
Before his election as President, Archbishop Ndagoso served as Vice-President of the CBCN from 2022, providing key support to the outgoing leadership. Other newly elected officers include Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos as Vice President, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta as Secretary, and Bishop Peter Chukwu of Abakaliki as Assistant Secretary. The new executives are expected to be formally presented during the plenary's closing ceremony on Wednesday, 25 February, 2026.
Archbishop Ndagoso, born on January 3, 1960, brings a wealth of pastoral experience to the role. Ordained a priest in 1986, he served as Bishop of Maiduguri from 2003 to 2007 before his appointment as Archbishop of Kaduna by Pope Benedict XVI in November 2007. Over the years, he has been a prominent advocate for peacebuilding, interreligious dialogue, justice, and the protection of vulnerable communities, particularly in Nigeria's northern region amid security challenges, religious tensions, and restrictions on Christian activities.
In his initial remarks following the election, Archbishop Ndagoso expressed deep gratitude to his fellow bishops for their trust and pledged to prioritize unity within the Church, spiritual renewal, evangelization, and active engagement in promoting peace, reconciliation, and the common good nationwide.
"The Church in Nigeria stands as a beacon of hope in our beloved country," he said. "I am humbled by this call to serve and look forward to collaborating with all bishops, clergy, religious, and laity to advance the Gospel, support the vulnerable, and contribute to national healing and progress."
The CBCN extended sincere appreciation to outgoing President Archbishop Ugorji for his dedicated leadership, wise counsel, and steadfast service to both the Church and Nigerian society during his tenure.
Archbishop Ndagoso will lead the Conference for a four-year term, guiding its efforts in advocacy, pastoral care, social justice initiatives, and responses to national issues including insecurity, poverty, and interfaith harmony. His election comes at a pivotal time for the Nigerian Church, as it continues to address pastoral needs in a diverse and often challenging socio-political landscape.
The First Plenary Assembly, which began on February 19 and runs through 26 February, 2026, carries the theme "The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria," underscoring the bishops' focus on ethical governance and societal progress.