Nigeria on right path under Tinubu, Presidency replies Catholic bishops
The Presidency has assured Nigerians that the country is making significant progress under President Bola Tinubu despite concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria about the nation’s challenges.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga acknowledged that while governance challenges remain, the Tinubu administration has made strides in areas such as security, economic stability, and youth empowerment.
The response followed comments by CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru, at the bishops’ plenary meeting in Abuja, where he highlighted issues such as unemployment, insecurity, poverty, and corruption, urging leaders to act swiftly.
“President Bola Tinubu deeply appreciates the constant interventions of the Catholic Bishops in matters of governance in our country.
“The Conference of Catholic Bishops’ patriotic fervour and commitment to national unity, peace, and stability are unassailable and deeply valued,” the statement read.
On security, Onanuga claimed that Nigeria is more secure today than it was in 2023, crediting the military and security agencies for their efforts.
“In the last two years, over 8,000 criminals—including bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers—have been eliminated, while over 10,000 Nigerians, mostly women and children, have been rescued,” he stated.
He added that improved security has allowed farmers to return to their lands, leading to increased food production and lower commodity prices.
Addressing economic concerns, Onanuga stated that Tinubu’s administration has stabilised the economy and improved Nigeria’s financial standing.
“Our balance of trade has improved, foreign reserves are stronger, inflation is moderating, and the naira is gaining value.
“Local refining capacity has also increased with the Dangote Refinery and NNPCL refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri coming on stream,” he said.
The Presidency also highlighted initiatives aimed at job creation and youth empowerment, such as 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, which are expected to generate over 10 million new jobs.
Onanuga further noted that the government has increased spending on infrastructure, healthcare, education and security, referencing the N54.9 trillion 2025 budget as a major step towards economic revitalisation.
He cited praise from international bodies like Chatham House, which recently commended Nigeria’s economic competitiveness under Tinubu, stating that “Nigeria’s economy has been most competitive in 25 years due to his reforms.”
While acknowledging that many Nigerians still face economic hardship, Onanuga assured citizens that the government is making the right decisions for a better future.
“President Tinubu and his team will continue to work very hard to deliver the promise of a greater and stronger Nigeria,” he added.
On Sunday, Iwejuru stated that Tinubu’s economic reforms have led to soaring inflation, pushing millions of Nigerians into poverty.
He added that Nigerians are facing worsening hardship due to the harsh socio-economic conditions, including the rising cost of petroleum products, transportation and essential goods.
