Tinubu Assures Catholic Bishops of Security Gains, Says Prosperity Is on the Horizon
By Tams Jonah, ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration’s ongoing reforms in the security sector and economy are beginning to yield results, expressing confidence that the country is on the path to lasting peace and prosperity.
The President gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, during a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja.
Addressing the bishops, President Tinubu said his administration has repositioned Nigeria’s security architecture through enhanced intelligence gathering, institutional reforms, improved logistics, and better welfare for security personnel.
He reaffirmed his government’s determination to end terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, disclosing that approval had been granted for the expansion of the armed forces, acquisition of additional military equipment and construction of new barracks.
“We will defeat terrorism,” the President declared, urging religious leaders to continue preaching peace, unity and patriotism while condemning violent attacks across the country.
Speaking on the economy, Tinubu maintained that Nigeria had overcome the financial uncertainty his administration inherited and was now on a stable path toward economic recovery.
According to him, reforms implemented over the past years have rescued the nation from the threat of bankruptcy, while citizens are beginning to experience renewed hope.
“This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,” he said.
The President highlighted several intervention programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing education as a major tool for lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.
He also noted improvements in the nation’s tertiary education system, pointing out that universities are now operating without the prolonged industrial actions that previously disrupted academic calendars.
Tinubu called on Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition, stressing that government alone cannot solve every challenge without citizens taking advantage of available opportunities.
On the country’s democratic process, the President expressed confidence in the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that all political parties have equal opportunities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He further reiterated that state governors possess the constitutional authority to decide on the return of mission schools, recalling that he restored mission schools while serving as Governor of Lagos State.
Earlier, CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, commended President Tinubu for receiving the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations during the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
The bishops, however, raised concerns over the country’s security situation, poverty, access to quality tertiary education, democratic governance and the need for credible elections in 2027.
Archbishop Ndagoso also appealed to the Federal Government to support the return of mission schools and ensure fairness in the provision of worship facilities for all religious groups across the country.
He urged the President to strengthen democratic institutions, describing that as one of the most enduring legacies his administration could leave for future generations.
The meeting was attended by prominent Catholic clerics, including John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama and Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, alongside other senior members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
