Tinubu assures bishops of security, economic recovery

President Bola Tinubu has assured the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) that his administration is repositioning the country’s security architecture to defeat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while insisting that the economy has stabilized and prosperity is on the horizon.

The President gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the CBCN, led by its President and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House in Abuja.

Tinubu said the Federal Government was strengthening security operations through improved intelligence gathering, institutional reforms, better logistics and enhanced welfare for frontline personnel.

He disclosed that he had approved the expansion of the armed forces, including the procurement of additional military equipment and the construction of new barracks to boost security operations.

“We will defeat terrorism. We don’t have another country but Nigeria. We must all work together to secure and develop it,” the President said, urging religious leaders to condemn violence and encourage their members to support efforts to end insurgency.

On the economy, Tinubu maintained that the difficult reforms undertaken by his administration had rescued Nigeria from what he described as the threat of bankruptcy.

“I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,” he said.

The President also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the government’s key interventions aimed at improving access to higher education and reducing poverty.

He noted that industrial harmony in public universities had improved, pointing out that students were now completing academic programmes without disruptions caused by strikes.

“You can’t say a four-year course in the university is not four years now. ASUU is not on strike. For me, that’s an answered prayer,” he said.

Tinubu further assured Nigerians that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would remain impartial ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows,” he said.

The President also reiterated that state governments have the constitutional authority to decide on the return of mission schools, recalling that he returned mission schools while serving as governor of Lagos State.

Earlier, CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, commended the President for hosting the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations during the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.

He, however, expressed concerns over insecurity, poverty, access to quality tertiary education, the credibility of future elections and the need to strengthen democratic institutions.

The bishops also urged the Federal Government to consider the return of mission schools and ensure equal treatment for all religious groups in the provision of places of worship.

Ndagoso called on Tinubu to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2027, saying one of the President’s enduring legacies should be the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.