By Nnenna Agbai- Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has responded to concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) regarding the state of the nation, assuring Nigerians that the country is on the right path under his leadership.
The President’s statement, released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, comes after the CBCN’s first plenary meeting of 2025, where the bishops highlighted critical issues such as youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud.
In his address at the plenary, CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru called for urgent action to address these challenges, warning that the nation risks further deterioration if leaders fail to act.
However, President Tinubu, while acknowledging the concerns, emphasised that significant progress has been made since he assumed office 22 months ago.
President Tinubu highlighted improvements in national security, crediting the military and other security agencies for their efforts in combating criminal activities.
According to the statement, over 8,000 criminals, including bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers, have been neutralized in the past two years. Additionally, more than 10,000 Nigerians, primarily women and children, have been rescued from captivity.
The President noted that the enhanced security has allowed farmers, particularly in the North-West and North-East regions, to return to their farms. This has led to increased food production and a subsequent decline in the prices of essential commodities.
States like Kaduna, Kebbi, and Jigawa have witnessed a resurgence in agricultural activities, while cash crop farmers across the country are experiencing newfound prosperity.
On the economic front, the government said it has stabilized the economy, improved the balance of trade, and strengthened foreign reserves. Inflation has moderated, and the Nigerian currency has gained strength against convertible currencies.
The administration noted that it has also boosted local refining capacity, thanks to the operationalization of the Dangote Refinery and the NNPCL refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri. Recognizing the importance of youth in national development, the Tinubu administration has launched several initiatives aimed at creating jobs and harnessing the potential of young Nigerians. Programs such as the 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund are expected to generate over 10 million jobs for the youth.
The statement also highlighted the administration’s success in increasing revenue collection and mobilizing local resources to fund critical development projects. The 2025 budget, amounting to an unprecedented N54.9 trillion, is designed to revitalize the economy and set it on a new growth trajectory.
The budget prioritizes economic and social infrastructure, including roads, power, healthcare, education, and security. The Tinubu administration’s reforms have garnered praise from both local and international institutions. Last week, Chatham House, a UK-based international affairs think tank, commended the administration’s economic management, describing Nigeria’s economy as the most competitive it has been in 25 years.
While acknowledging that many Nigerians still face hardships, President Tinubu expressed confidence that the government’s policies and programs will lead to a more prosperous nation.
He reiterated his commitment to working tirelessly on behalf of Nigerians to deliver a stronger and more prosperous country. “The Tinubu administration is optimistic about the future and the ongoing positive changes,” the statement concluded. “We remain convinced that the government is making the right decisions to lead Nigeria to a better and more prosperous future.”
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