Tinubu Assures Catholic Bishops of Victory Over Insecurity, Says Prosperity Ahead
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration’s ongoing reforms of the country’s security architecture will lead to the defeat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while expressing confidence that economic prosperity is on the horizon.
The President gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna, at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu said his administration is repositioning the nation’s security institutions through improved intelligence gathering, restructuring of security operations, enhanced logistics and better welfare for frontline personnel.
He disclosed that he had approved the expansion of the armed forces, including the acquisition of more military equipment and the construction of new barracks, stressing that the government remains committed to ending insecurity across the country.
“We will defeat terrorism,” the President declared, urging religious leaders to continue preaching peace, condemning violence and supporting government efforts to restore security nationwide.
On the economy, Tinubu maintained that his administration had rescued Nigeria from economic uncertainty, insisting that the country is now on a path to recovery and sustainable growth.
“The government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,” he said, adding that interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) would continue to expand access to education and improve the welfare of citizens.
The President also highlighted improvements in the education sector, noting that universities have remained open without disruptions from industrial actions and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding higher education opportunities.
Speaking on the 2027 general elections, Tinubu expressed confidence in the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying all political parties would have equal opportunities to participate in a free and fair electoral process.
He further stated that decisions regarding the return of mission schools remain within the constitutional powers of state governors, recalling that he restored mission schools during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
Earlier, CBCN President Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso commended the Federal Government for its engagement with the Vatican but raised concerns over insecurity, poverty, the quality of tertiary education and the need to strengthen democratic institutions.
He urged the President to ensure credible elections in 2027, consider the return of mission schools and guarantee equal treatment for all religious groups across the country.
The meeting was attended by senior Catholic clerics, including Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Cardinal Peter Okpaleke, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop Alfred Martins and Bishop Matthew Kukah, among other members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
