President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured that the ongoing restructuring of Nigeria’s security operations and institutions will deliver victory over terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across the country.
The President gave the assurance on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna. The delegation comprised 19 CBCN leaders.
President Tinubu said the security challenges were being confronted through enhanced intelligence gathering, restructuring and repositioning of security institutions, improved logistical support, and prioritisation of the welfare of frontline personnel. He added that he had approved the expansion of the armed forces, acquisition of more equipment, and construction of new barracks.
“We don’t have another country but here – this Nigeria,” the President told the bishops. “I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons. I won’t deviate from our national anthem.”
On poverty alleviation, President Tinubu affirmed that government interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, would be sustained to directly improve the livelihoods of families and citizens. He urged Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities in education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition provided by government and private institutions.
The President declared that the economy had been stabilised and moved away from the brink of bankruptcy. “I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed,” he said. “This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving.”
President Tinubu also highlighted progress in the education sector, noting that more universities had been approved to meet growing demand and that the statistics by the NUC would aid budgeting for NELFUND. He pointed to the absence of ASUU strikes as evidence of improved stability. “To educate our children… a four-year course in the university is not four years now. ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to our homes. Is that not an answer to our prayers?” he asked.
Speaking on governance and elections, the President said the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had remained neutral. “The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone,” he stated. He added that governors have constitutional authority to decide on the return of mission schools, recalling that he returned such schools when he was governor of Lagos State.
In his remarks, Most Rev. Ndagoso appreciated the President for the reception accorded to the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, during the 50th anniversary of Nigeria-Vatican relations. The CBCN President raised concerns on security, quality tertiary education, limited admission spaces, sustaining democracy, credible elections, and poverty.
The Archbishop urged the President to consider the return of mission schools and ensure fair treatment for all worshippers, including provision of places of worship across the country without bias. He also called for free and fair elections in 2027, saying: “As a man who risked so much in the struggle for the return of democratic rule… your greatest legacy would be the strengthening of our democratic institutions.”
President Tinubu concluded by stressing that unity, stability and prosperity must be held sacrosanct by all stakeholders. He said citizens owe it to generations yet unborn to sustain the nation bequeathed by founding fathers. The CBCN delegation included prominent Catholic leaders such as Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Cardinal Peter Okpaleke, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, and Bishop Matthew Kukah.
Source: Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, July 28, 2026
