By Dennis Okechukwu
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration’s ongoing reforms in the security sector and the economy are beginning to yield results, 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 State House in Abuja, the President said his government was restructuring security operations and institutions to ensure victory over terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
The delegation, led by the President of the CBCN and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, comprised 19 senior Catholic clerics.
Tinubu said the government’s strategy includes improved intelligence gathering, restructuring of security agencies, enhanced logistics and better welfare for personnel on the frontlines.
He disclosed that he had approved the expansion of the armed forces, alongside the acquisition of additional military equipment and the construction of new barracks to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
“We will defeat terrorism,” the President declared, urging religious leaders to use their platforms to condemn violence, promote peace and support efforts to restore security across the country.
Addressing concerns over the economy and poverty, Tinubu maintained that Nigeria had moved away from the economic uncertainty his administration inherited.
According to him, reforms implemented since he assumed office have stabilised the economy and laid the foundation for future prosperity.
“The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy has been cleared, and prosperity is on the horizon. Life is improving,” he said.
The President highlighted initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as part of measures aimed at improving access to education and reducing poverty, while encouraging young Nigerians to embrace education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition.
He also pointed to the absence of prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as evidence of progress in the education sector, noting that university students can now complete their programmes without disruptions.
On the 2027 general elections, Tinubu insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains impartial.
He dismissed allegations of bias, saying political parties have equal opportunities to participate in the electoral process.
“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 his support for the return of mission schools, stating that state governors have the constitutional authority to make such decisions.
He recalled that his administration as Governor of Lagos State returned mission schools to their original owners.
Earlier, Archbishop Ndagoso commended the President for receiving the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations during the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.
He, however, identified security challenges, poverty, access to quality tertiary education, credible elections and the strengthening of democratic institutions as major issues requiring sustained government attention.
The CBCN president urged Tinubu to ensure free and fair elections in 2027, describing the protection of Nigeria’s democratic institutions as a legacy worthy of his administration.
He also appealed for the return of mission schools and equal treatment of all religious groups, including access to places of worship across the country.