By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Presidency has dismissed concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) over the country’s economic and security situation, insisting that Nigeria is making significant progress under President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Monday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the bishops’ remarks as an outdated narrative that does not reflect the current realities of Tinubu’s administration.
“While some governance challenges remain, it is important to state categorically that our country has made tremendous progress in all areas since President Tinubu assumed office about 22 months ago,” Onanuga stated.
Addressing security concerns raised by the bishops, the Presidency insisted that Nigeria is far more secure today than it was in 2023, owing to the decisive leadership of President Tinubu and the relentless efforts of the nation’s military and security agencies.
“In the last two years, over 8,000 criminals—including bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers—have been eliminated. Additionally, more than 10,000 Nigerians, primarily women and children, have been rescued from their abductors,” Onanuga stated.
He further noted that improved security has enabled farmers in previously troubled areas, especially in the North-West and North-East, to return to their farmlands, leading to increased food production and a reduction in commodity prices.
“Farmers in Kaduna, Kebbi, and Jigawa are eloquent testimonies of the improved security ambience. Similarly, farmers growing cash crops across the country are experiencing a new life of boom and prosperity,” the statement added.
Onanuga outlined the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, stressing that the government inherited a fragile economy but has since implemented measures to stabilise and strengthen it.
“Our balance of trade has improved, foreign reserves are in a stronger position, inflation has moderated, and the naira is gaining strength against major foreign currencies,” he said.
He attributed part of this economic turnaround to the significant progress made in boosting local refining capacity.
“With the Dangote Refinery and NNPCL refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri now operational, Nigeria’s dependency on imported petroleum products has drastically reduced, which in turn strengthens the naira and lowers fuel costs,” he explained.
Recognising the role of youth in national development, the Presidency highlighted several initiatives launched by Tinubu’s administration to create employment and harness young Nigerians’ talents.
“The administration has introduced programmes such as 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, all designed to create over 10 million jobs,” Onanuga stated.
He emphasised that these initiatives aim to enhance youth capabilities, innovation, and productivity, ultimately driving economic growth.
The statement further pointed to Tinubu’s historic N54.9 trillion 2025 budget, describing it as a bold move to revitalise Nigeria’s economy.
“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria is investing more in economic and social infrastructure, including roads, power, healthcare, education, and security,” the statement read.
The government also claimed that revenue collection has improved significantly, enabling the country to finance critical development projects without excessive reliance on external borrowing.
The Presidency cited recent praise from international organisations, particularly Chatham House, which commended Tinubu’s economic reforms.
“Local and international institutions have continued to acknowledge the Tinubu administration’s implementation of necessary reforms. Chatham House recently noted that Nigeria’s economy has been the most competitive in 25 years due to these policies,” Onanuga said.
While acknowledging that Nigerians are still experiencing economic difficulties, the Presidency reassured citizens that the government is making the right decisions to ensure long-term prosperity.
“The Tinubu administration remains committed to delivering a better and more prosperous Nigeria. We are optimistic about the future and the ongoing positive changes that will soon yield tangible benefits for all citizens,” Onanuga stated.
