President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is making significant progress in tackling insecurity and rebuilding the economy, expressing confidence that the country is on the path to lasting stability and prosperity.
Speaking on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said the ongoing reforms in the nation’s security system would lead to the defeat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
The delegation, led by the President of the CBCN and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, included 19 senior Catholic bishops.
The President said the government is strengthening the country’s security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, institutional reforms, better logistics and enhanced welfare for military personnel.
He also disclosed that approval had been given for the expansion of the armed forces, including the procurement of additional military equipment and the construction of new barracks.
According to Tinubu, religious leaders have a vital role to play by speaking against violence and encouraging citizens to support efforts aimed at restoring peace across the country.
“We have no other country but Nigeria. Despite our diversity, we must continue to work together for peace, unity and progress. We will defeat terrorism, and everyone should support that goal,” he said.
On the economy, Tinubu maintained that his administration had prevented Nigeria from sliding into financial collapse and had laid the foundation for sustainable growth.
He said economic reforms introduced since assuming office were beginning to yield positive results, adding that the nation had moved beyond the uncertainty inherited at the start of his administration.
“The country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered, and the fears of bankruptcy have been overcome. This government has stabilised Nigeria, and prosperity is on the horizon. Life is gradually improving,” the President said.
Tinubu also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the government’s initiatives aimed at easing the burden on students and families while expanding access to higher education.
He urged Nigerians, especially young people, to take advantage of opportunities in education, entrepreneurship and skills development to improve their livelihoods.
The President noted that uninterrupted academic activities in public universities, following the absence of prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), reflected improvements in the education sector.
He stressed that preserving Nigeria’s unity, stability and prosperity should remain a shared responsibility for all citizens.
Earlier, Archbishop Ndagoso commended President Tinubu for the reception accorded to Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, during activities marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
The CBCN president, however, raised concerns over persistent insecurity, poverty, access to quality tertiary education, credible elections and the need to consolidate democratic governance.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to consider returning mission schools to their original owners and to ensure equal treatment of all religious groups, including the provision of worship centres without discrimination.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Archbishop Ndagoso urged the President to strengthen democratic institutions and guarantee free, fair and credible polls, saying such a legacy would further deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
READ ALSO;
- A Round Peg In A Round Hole As Otunba Senator Gbenga Daniel Becomes South West Mobilisation Lead
- House of Reps Panel Throws Out Petition Against PINL, Okunbo Says Petitioners Brought No Proof
- Arise News Drops Anthony Kila Over Alleged Academic Credentials Fraud
- NASU Urges FG To Review Minimum Wage, Ease Economic Hardship
- Pope Leo XIV Hospitalised for Surgery
