Tinubu Assures Catholic Bishops of Victory Over Insecurity

….Says Prosperity Is on the Horizon

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is repositioning the country’s security architecture to defeat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while insisting that the economy has been stabilised and prosperity is within reach.

The President gave the assurance on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso.

President Tinubu said his administration was restructuring security operations through improved intelligence gathering, institutional reforms, better logistics and enhanced welfare for security personnel to ensure lasting peace across the country.

“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment and building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism,” the President said, urging religious leaders to continue preaching peace and actively support efforts to end violent crimes.

He stressed that all Nigerians had a collective responsibility to protect the country’s unity and stability, saying there was no alternative to Nigeria despite its diversity.

On the economy, Tinubu maintained that his administration had rescued the country from economic uncertainty, declaring that the nation had been placed on a sound footing.

“The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and the dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed. The spirit of the people is lifting, and prosperity is on the horizon,” he said.

The President highlighted government interventions aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), while encouraging Nigerians to embrace education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition as pathways out of poverty.

He also pointed to stability in the university system, noting that students now complete their academic programmes without prolonged 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. They are not bringing agony to our homes,” he stated.

Speaking on the 2027 general elections, Tinubu expressed confidence in the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that the electoral umpire had remained neutral.

“INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me,” he said.

The President also reiterated his support for the return of mission schools, noting that he restored such schools during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, while explaining that state governors have the constitutional authority to make such decisions.

Earlier, CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, commended President Tinubu for receiving the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations during the recent celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.

The bishops, however, raised concerns over insecurity, poverty, access to quality tertiary education, the need for credible elections and the return of mission schools.

Ndagoso urged the President to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2027, describing that as one of the enduring legacies of his administration.

The meeting was attended by several senior Catholic clerics, including Cardinals John Onaiyekan and Peter Okpaleke, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin of Ibadan, Archbishop Valerian Okeke of Onitsha and other members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.