Hardship: Presidency Replies Catholic Bishops’ Criticism

The Nigerian presidency has responded to recent concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), stating that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is making steady progress across all sectors and has stabilised the country’s economy.

Over the weekend, CBCN president Lucius Iwejuru had urged the president to urgently address issues such as youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral malpractice. In a statement issued on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the government acknowledges the bishops’ concerns and values their continued engagement in matters of national governance.

Onanuga noted that while some of the challenges raised still persist, it is important to recognise the strides already made since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. He cited improvements in security, highlighting that over 8,000 criminals, including terrorists, kidnappers, and armed robbers, have been neutralised in the past two years. Additionally, more than 10,000 abducted Nigerians—mostly women and children—have been rescued, leading to safer communities in the North-West and North-East and a return of farmers to their lands, which he said is contributing to increased food production and lower commodity prices.

On the economy, Onanuga said the Tinubu administration inherited a fragile situation but has since stabilised it. He pointed to a stronger balance of trade, growing foreign reserves, moderating inflation, and a strengthening naira. He also noted that local refining capacity has increased due to operations at the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s facilities in Port Harcourt and Warri.

Addressing youth development, Onanuga listed several initiatives including 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, which he said aim to create over 10 million new jobs. He added that revenue collection has significantly improved, allowing the government to invest more in roads, power, healthcare, education, and security.

According to the presidency, the 2025 budget—pegged at N54.9 trillion—is designed to revitalise the economy and put Nigeria on a new growth trajectory. Onanuga also referenced international recognition, saying Chatham House in the UK recently praised the administration’s economic reforms.

While acknowledging that many Nigerians still face economic challenges, the presidency said it remains confident that the decisions being taken now will lead to a more prosperous future. Onanuga assured that President Tinubu and his team are committed to working hard to deliver on the promise of a stronger Nigeria.