President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is making steady progress in stabilising the country, expressing confidence that prosperity is on the horizon despite the challenges facing the nation.
The President gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu said his administration is restructuring the country’s security architecture to strengthen the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping through improved intelligence gathering, better logistics and enhanced welfare for security personnel.
“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.
He also urged religious leaders to support government efforts by speaking against violence and encouraging peace within their communities.
Speaking on the economy, Tinubu said his administration inherited serious financial challenges but had succeeded in restoring stability.
“This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,” he stated.
The President added that the economy had recovered from the uncertainty it faced when he assumed office, insisting that the country was no longer on the brink of bankruptcy.
Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities provided by the government and private sector through education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition.
He also highlighted the stability in Nigeria’s university system, noting that prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had been avoided under his administration.
“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? For me, that’s answered prayer,” he said.
Earlier, CBCN President Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso commended the President for the warm reception given to the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, during the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.
Ndagoso also raised concerns over insecurity, access to quality tertiary education, poverty, credible elections and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
He appealed to the Federal Government to consider returning mission schools to their original owners and ensure fair treatment for all religious groups across the country.
The Archbishop further urged President Tinubu to ensure that the 2027 general elections are free, fair and credible.
“As a man who risked so much in the struggle for the return of democratic rule… your greatest legacy would be the strengthening of our democratic institutions,” Ndagoso said.
