President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms in the country’s security architecture will lead to the defeat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while expressing confidence that the nation’s economy has stabilised and is on the path to prosperity.
The president gave the assurance on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Matthew Ndagoso.
Tinubu said his administration was strengthening intelligence gathering, restructuring security institutions, improving logistics and expanding welfare for frontline personnel to enhance the fight against insecurity.
He disclosed that he had approved the expansion of the armed forces, including the acquisition of additional equipment and the construction of new barracks, expressing confidence that the country would overcome terrorism.
The president urged religious leaders to support government efforts by preaching peace and condemning acts of violence, stressing that all Nigerians have a shared responsibility to safeguard the country’s unity and stability.
Speaking on the economy, Tinubu maintained that his administration had rescued Nigeria from the threat of bankruptcy and restored stability, saying prosperity was now within reach.
According to him, interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) are designed to improve the welfare of citizens, while greater emphasis is also being placed on education, entrepreneurship and skills development as tools for reducing poverty.
The president noted that universities have operated without prolonged industrial action, describing the absence of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a positive development for the education sector.
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, Tinubu said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remained neutral and had provided equal opportunities for all political parties.
He also reiterated his support for education, recalling that he returned mission schools to their original owners during his tenure as governor of Lagos State. He added that the federal government had approved more universities to meet growing demand for higher education.
Earlier, Archbishop Ndagoso commended Tinubu for hosting the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations during the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
The Catholic bishops, however, raised concerns over insecurity, poverty, access to quality tertiary education, democratic governance and the conduct of future elections.
They also appealed to the president to consider the return of mission schools and ensure equal treatment of all religious groups, while calling for credible, free and fair elections in 2027.
Tinubu Assures Catholic Bishops of Victory Over Insecurity, Says Economic Prosperity Ahead
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