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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday assured Nigerians that his administration is steadily stabilising the country, declaring that improved security and economic reforms are already laying the foundation for national prosperity.

Speaking at the State House in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), the President said ongoing restructuring of security operations and institutions would soon deliver decisive victories against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

The CBCN delegation, led by its President, Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, comprised 19 senior clerics who engaged the President on pressing national concerns, including security, education, democracy, and poverty.

President Tinubu said his government had prioritised intelligence-driven strategies, institutional reforms, and enhanced welfare for security personnel to tackle insecurity more effectively. He disclosed that he had approved the expansion of the armed forces, acquisition of modern equipment, and construction of new barracks to strengthen operational capacity.

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According to him, the security architecture is being repositioned for efficiency and results, noting that the fight against violent crimes requires collective responsibility. He urged religious leaders to actively condemn acts of violence and use their platforms to promote peace and national unity.

“We don’t have another country but Nigeria,” Tinubu said. “In our diversity, we must thrive together, live in harmony, and remain committed to humanity. We will defeat terrorism, and that message should resonate from every pulpit.”

On the economy, the President maintained that his administration had rescued Nigeria from what he described as a looming financial collapse inherited at the start of his tenure. He said reforms implemented so far had stabilised the economy and restored confidence.

“The economy has been delivered from bankruptcy,” he said. “The uncertainty and fear we met have been cleared. The spirit of Nigerians is rising again. This government has stabilised the nation, and prosperity is on the horizon.”

Tinubu acknowledged the challenges faced by citizens but insisted that life was gradually improving, with more opportunities emerging through government and private sector initiatives. He encouraged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace education, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition as pathways out of poverty.

Highlighting education as a critical tool for development, the President pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the interventions designed to ease access to higher education. He also noted the relative stability in tertiary institutions, referencing the absence of prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a positive development.

“You can now complete a four-year course in four years. That is progress and an answer to prayers,” he said.

The President further stressed the importance of unity and national cohesion, warning that Nigeria’s stability and prosperity must remain a shared responsibility among all stakeholders. He urged religious leaders to continue providing hope and moral guidance to citizens amid socio-economic challenges.

On democratic governance and the 2027 general elections, Tinubu expressed confidence in the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing claims of bias.

“INEC has been fair and has not intimidated anyone,” he said. “Those raising concerns may simply be dealing with internal uncertainties. The process will remain open and credible.”

Addressing the issue of mission schools, Tinubu reiterated that state governments hold constitutional authority over such matters but recalled his own decision to return mission schools to their original owners during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

In his remarks, Archbishop Ndagoso commended the President for receiving the delegation and acknowledged his role in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic relations, particularly during the recent visit of the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher.

However, the CBCN President raised concerns over persistent insecurity, limited access to quality tertiary education, poverty, and the need to safeguard democratic gains. He urged the government to ensure credible elections in 2027 and to consider policies that promote fairness and inclusivity for all religious groups.

“As someone who played a significant role in Nigeria’s return to democracy, your legacy will be defined by how well you strengthen democratic institutions,” Ndagoso said.

He also appealed for equitable treatment of all faiths, including the provision of worship spaces across the country, and renewed calls for the return of mission schools where appropriate.

Other members of the delegation included prominent Catholic leaders such as Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Cardinal Peter Okpaleke, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Archbishop Alfred Martins, among others.

The meeting underscored ongoing engagement between the government and religious institutions as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s challenges and build a more stable and prosperous nation.