President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja, expressing his understanding of the economic struggles Nigerians are facing. However, he emphasized that the ongoing economic reforms are crucial for the future of the nation and the well-being of future generations.
During the meeting on Friday, Tinubu shared his commitment to building a resilient country, underscoring the need for collective efforts to fight poverty, which he stressed affects all Nigerians, regardless of religion. The President acknowledged that the decision to remove fuel subsidies was difficult but necessary to prevent the country from bankrupting itself. He stated, “We were spending the investment of the future of our children yet unborn.”
Tinubu further highlighted the importance of tax reforms as a step toward creating opportunities for citizens to contribute to nation-building. He also responded to the Bishops’ request for the return of mission schools, explaining that education is a matter for state governments, not the federal government. He praised the Catholic Church’s ongoing contributions to education and healthcare and assured the bishops that he would look into ways to support students in private institutions not covered by the government’s education funding program, NELFUND.
On security, President Tinubu acknowledged the progress made by security agencies in tackling insecurity, emphasizing that the issue affects all religious communities in the country. He reiterated his stance against religious bias and stressed the importance of unity in addressing national challenges.
The CBCN delegation, led by Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, expressed support for Tinubu’s efforts to reposition the country and praised his leadership. The Bishops, however, called for a more defined vision of religion as a force for moral integrity and unity, advocating for the government to stop sponsoring religious pilgrimages to avoid waste and corruption.
Tinubu’s government also received praise for the progress in securing the nation, with Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, highlighting improvements in safety, particularly the ease of travel along the Abuja-Kaduna route.
The meeting ended with the assurance that the government is committed to ensuring Nigeria’s growth and development, despite the challenges faced in the reform process. The President thanked religious leaders for their prayers and expressed optimism for the future, citing the increasing foreign investments and the ongoing economic recovery.
