Tinubu vs. Catholic Bishops: Who Holds Nigeria's Future?

According to the Presidency, Nigeria has advanced greatly in every field since President Tinubu took office almost 22 months ago.

It stated that the nation is making incredible strides under Tinubu, notwithstanding the reservations expressed by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria during its first plenary session in 2025 in Abuja.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced this in a statement on Monday.

While acknowledging that there are still some governance issues in the areas the Bishops identified, Onanuga pointed out that the nation has achieved great strides in a number of sectors, including security, the economy, and youth empowerment.

He was responding to comments by the CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru, who listed youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud as some of the ills plaguing the country.

“President Bola Tinubu deeply appreciates the constant interventions of the Catholic Bishops in matters of governance in our country. The Conference of Catholic Bishops’ patriotic fervour and commitment to national unity, peace, and stability are unassailable and deeply valued and respected by the government.

“In terms of insecurity, Nigeria is more secure today than it was in 2023, thanks to our military and other security agencies and the strong leadership provided by President Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief.

“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

Improved community security, particularly in the North-West and North-East, has encouraged farmers to return to their fields and increased food production nationwide, which is lowering the cost of necessities.

Farmers in Jigawa, Kebbi, and Kaduna are powerful examples of the enhanced security environment. In a similar vein, cash crop farmers across the nation are living in a new era of wealth and boom. Regarding the economy, Tinubu's administration has stabilized it from the unstable state it inherited when it took power.

“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.

“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. 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.

‘Last week, Chatham House, a United Kingdom International Affairs policy think tank, praised President Tinubu’s economic management team. In an article, Chatham House said Nigeria’s economy had been most competitive under President Tinubu in 25 years due to his reforms.

We continue to believe that the administration is making the correct choices that will result in a better and more wealthy Nigeria, even if we acknowledge that many Nigerians currently confront challenges. In order to fulfill the promise of a stronger and more powerful Nigeria, President Tinubu and his staff will keep up their tireless efforts on behalf of our fellow citizens.

"The Tinubu government has hope for the future and the continuous progress that has been made. Part of the statement said, "Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) March 10, 2023."