Catholic Dioceses in Nigeria Challenged to Establish Funding Schemes for Priests’ Retirement

In brief

Catholic dioceses in Nigeria should create pension plans or funding pools to support priests as they retire, according to Father Hyacinth Ichoku. Speaking at a discussion on the priesthood in Nigeria on September 16, the Veritas University Abuja Vice Chancellor noted that many priests in the country are approaching retirement age.

Father Ichoku said that while priestly vocations are growing in Nigeria, dioceses must prepare to care for each successive group of retiring clergy. He cited the Catholic Diocese of Awka as an example, noting that every priest there is enrolled in the National Contributory Pension Scheme.

To ensure the future wellbeing of clergy, Father Ichoku suggested that dioceses either enroll priests in national pension schemes or establish their own sustainable funding systems. He proposed building small pools of funds to help priests support themselves after leaving active ministry. He also suggested that priests could potentially use their stipends to make personal contributions to such schemes, though he noted it is often easier for dioceses to engage directly with the national pension system.