The presidency has said that Nigeria is making significant strides in every sector under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
The recent statements attributed to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBNC) have prompted a response from the presidency.
The CBNC president, Lucius Iwejuru, urged Tinubu to address young unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and election fraud during a gathering over the weekend.
Tinubu’s special assistant on communications and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said on Monday that the president “deeply appreciates the constant interventions” of the Catholic bishops in questions of governance in our nation.
Although there are certain governance issues in the areas the bishops pointed out, Onanuga said it is crucial to recognise that Nigeria has achieved “tremendous progress in all areas” since Tinubu took office in May 2023.
On insecurity, Onanuga said Nigeria is more secure presently than it was in 2023, citing the collaboration between security agencies.
“In the last two years, over 8000 criminals–bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers—have been eliminated, and over 10,000 Nigerians—primarily women and children have been rescued from their abductors,” the statement reads.
“As a result of improved security in our communities, especially in the North-West and the North-East, farmers have returned to their farms, and our country has seen increased food production, which is currently driving down prices of essential commodities.
“Farmers in Kaduna, Kebbi and Jigawa are eloquent testimonies of the improved security ambience. Similarly, farmers growing cash crops in many parts of the country are experiencing a new life of boom and prosperity.”
On the economy, the presidential spokesperson said Tinubu’s administration has “stabilised the economy from the precarious situation it inherited on assumption of office”.
“Our balance of trade has improved, foreign reserves are in a stronger position, inflation has moderated, our currency is gaining strength against convertible currencies, local refining capacity has tremendously increased on the back of Dangote Refinery and NNPCL Refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri, going on stream,” he said.
“Realising the importance of youth to national development and economic growth, President Tinubu’s administration has designed programmes that will catalyse youth employment, enhance their capability, and harness their ingenuity, creativity, and talents for better productivity.
“These programmes, including 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, were designed to create over 10 million new jobs for young people.
“More than ever, the country has increased revenue collection phenomenally and is mobilising more local revenue to fund critical development priorities.
“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria spends more on economic and social infrastructure such as roads, power, healthcare, education, and security.
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“The unprecedented N54.9 trillion 2025 budget is designed to revitalise the economy and set it on a new growth trajectory.
“Local and international institutions have continued to praise the Tinubu administration’s implementation of necessary reforms.”
Onanuga said the Chatham House, the United Kingdom (UK) think tank, recently commended Tinubu’s management of the nation’s economy.
“While we agree that many Nigerians still face difficulties, we remain convinced that the government is making the right decisions that will usher in a better and more prosperous country,” he said.
Onanuga added that Tinubu’s administration will continue to work “very hard” to deliver the promise of a greater and stronger Nigeria.
