President Bola Tinubu has expressed strong confidence that the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s security architecture will soon end the threats posed by terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. Speaking at the State House while hosting the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the President highlighted that the government is actively repositioning security institutions to ensure greater efficiency across the country.
During the meeting with the delegation led by the President of the Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, the President outlined the multi-faceted strategy being deployed to tackle insecurity. This approach includes sharper intelligence gathering, better logistical support for troops on the ground, and a focused effort on improving the welfare of frontline personnel. Looking ahead, he shared that his administration has already sanctioned the expansion of the armed forces, with plans to procure more advanced equipment and establish additional barracks to bolster the nation’s defense.
The President urged religious leaders to play an active role in national healing by condemning violence in their sermons and guiding their congregations toward peace. Emphasizing the collective responsibility of all Nigerians, he reminded the delegation that the country belongs to everyone, regardless of diversity. He encouraged the bishops to instill hope in their followers, noting that the country is currently on a much firmer foundation than when he assumed office.
Regarding the state of the economy, the President declared that Nigeria has been successfully rescued from the brink of bankruptcy. He noted that while he inherited significant economic liabilities, the government has worked hard to stabilize the system, creating a clearer path toward national prosperity. To further support families, he affirmed that the administration will continue to prioritize impactful interventions, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, designed to ease the burden on citizens.
Addressing the importance of education, the President highlighted the current stability in the academic sector, pointing to the end of recurring strikes as a major relief for families. He encouraged citizens to remain productive by embracing entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, and formal education. According to Zoyols News, he underscored that the unity and stability of the nation remain sacrosanct duties that all stakeholders must uphold for the sake of future generations.
In his response, the Archbishop of Kaduna and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference thanked the President for the government’s warm reception of the Holy See’s representative during the recent anniversary celebrating fifty years of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Vatican. Archbishop Ndagoso raised several critical issues of public concern, including the need to combat poverty, improve access to quality education, and ensure the long-term health of the nation’s democratic institutions.
The leadership of the Catholic Church also used the platform to advocate for the return of mission schools and appealed for fair treatment and protection for all worshipers across the country. Looking toward the future, the delegation emphasized the importance of credible elections, with the Archbishop urging the President to leave a lasting legacy by further strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes, specifically calling for free and fair polls in 2027.
