By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Nigerian government has responded to concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), asserting that the country has made significant progress under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
During the CBCN’s first plenary meeting of 2025 in Abuja, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru highlighted pressing national issues, including youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud, urging immediate action to prevent further deterioration.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency acknowledged the bishops’ concerns but emphasised that Nigeria is in a far better state than it was in 2023.
The statement pointed to substantial improvements in security, with over 8,000 criminals, including bandits and Boko Haram terrorists, eliminated in the past two years, and over 10,000 kidnapped victims rescued.
According to the government, these efforts have allowed farmers, particularly in the North-West and North-East, to return to their fields, leading to increased food production and stabilising commodity prices.
On the economy, the Tinubu administration claimed to have reversed the precarious situation it inherited, citing an improved balance of trade, stronger foreign reserves, moderating inflation, and a strengthening naira.
The government also highlighted the increased refining capacity of local oil refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and NNPCL facilities in Port Harcourt and Warri, as a major achievement.
Youth employment was another key focus, with the government touting several initiatives, such as 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, which are expected to create over 10 million jobs.
Additionally, revenue collection has reportedly seen a significant boost, enabling increased spending on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security.
The presidency also noted that international institutions have recognised the administration’s economic policies, citing a recent Chatham House article that described Nigeria’s economy as the most competitive it has been in 25 years.
While acknowledging the hardships many Nigerians still face, the statement expressed confidence that the government’s reforms will lead to long-term prosperity.
It reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to driving economic growth, ensuring security, and delivering on his promises to the nation.
