President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms in the nation’s security architecture will lead to victory over terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while insisting that the economy has been stabilised and prosperity is on the horizon.
The President gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House in Abuja.
The delegation comprised 19 Catholic bishops and senior church leaders, including Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Martins; Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama; Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah; John Cardinal Onaiyekan; Peter Cardinal Okpaleke; and several other bishops and clergy.
Speaking during the meeting, Tinubu said his administration was repositioning the country’s security institutions through improved intelligence gathering, restructuring of security agencies, better logistics and enhanced welfare for frontline personnel.
He disclosed that he had approved the expansion of the armed forces, including the acquisition of more equipment and the construction of new barracks, expressing confidence that terrorism would be defeated.
“We don’t have another country but here – this Nigeria. I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons,” the President said, urging religious leaders to continue condemning violent attacks and encouraging their members to support efforts to restore peace.
On the economy, Tinubu maintained that his administration had rescued Nigeria from the brink of bankruptcy.
“I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed.
“The spirit of the people is lifting, and the economic turmoil that we feared is cleared. The economy has been delivered from bankruptcy.
“I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. I have been running with it. This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,” he stated.
The President also highlighted poverty alleviation initiatives, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying the government would continue programmes that directly improve the welfare of Nigerians.
He encouraged citizens to embrace education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition to take advantage of available opportunities.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s unity, stability and prosperity must remain a collective responsibility, adding that one of the achievements of his administration was the uninterrupted academic calendar in public universities.
“You can’t say a four-year course in the university is not four years now. ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to our homes. Is that not an answer to our prayers?” he said.
On the 2027 general elections, the President insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remained impartial.
“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 and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me,” he said.
Tinubu also reiterated that state governors had the constitutional authority to decide on the return of mission schools, recalling that he returned mission schools while serving as Governor of Lagos State.
“I returned all mission schools when I was the governor of Lagos State, and Cardinal Okogie, one of my best friends, is alive to testify to that,” he said.
He added that the approval of more universities would help meet growing demand for higher education, while data from the National Universities Commission (NUC) would assist in planning and budgeting for NELFUND.
Earlier, CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, thanked the President for the reception accorded to the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, during the recent celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.
Ndagoso raised concerns over the country’s security situation, poverty, access to quality tertiary education, the need to sustain democratic gains and ensure credible elections.
He also appealed to the President to support the return of mission schools and ensure fairness in the provision of places of worship for all religious groups across the country.
Recalling Tinubu’s role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, the Archbishop urged him to strengthen democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.
“As a man who risked so much in the struggle for the return of democratic rule in the dark days of the military dictatorship, your greatest legacy would be the strengthening of our democratic institutions,” Ndagoso said.