President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that while current economic reforms are challenging, they are necessary to build a resilient nation and secure the future of the next generation.
The President made this statement on Friday at the State House in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri and CBCN President.
Addressing the bishops, President Tinubu emphasised the importance of national investment and unity in tackling poverty, stating that economic hardship knows no religious boundaries.
“Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was a hard decision, but it was necessary. We cannot bankrupt our country. We were spending the investment meant for our children’s future. Poverty has no religious colour; it affects everyone, and we must fight it together,” he said.
He highlighted the tax reform initiative as an opportunity for Nigerians to contribute to national development and expressed his administration’s commitment to ensuring economic stability.
Responding to requests from the bishops regarding mission schools previously taken over by the government, the President clarified that such schools fall under the jurisdiction of state governments, not the federal government.
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However, he cited his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, where he facilitated the return of mission schools, as an example of his commitment to education.
President Tinubu also acknowledged the role of religious institutions in education and healthcare.
He reassured the bishops that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was established to prevent students from dropping out due to financial constraints and promised to explore support options for students in private institutions.
On security, he stressed that the government’s efforts were yielding positive results, noting improvements in national security.
“Insecurity affects everyone—Christians and Muslims alike. I have no religious bias, and I will never be a bigot. My wife is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church, yet we must think of our country first. This nation must rise above religious divisions,” Tinubu said.
Archbishop Ugorji congratulated the President on his electoral victory and commended his administration’s efforts to reposition the country.
He acknowledged the economic difficulties caused by subsidy removal but praised the tax reform initiative as a long-term solution for national prosperity.
He also recognised security improvements but urged the government to do more to restore public confidence.
“Your government’s mantra is Renewed Hope. Interestingly, Pope Francis has declared this year as the Jubilee Year of Hope. We share this vision and came to present the final fruits of our deliberations with you,” the CBCN President stated.
The bishops also called for a clear national vision that upholds religious tolerance, ensuring that faith fosters unity rather than division.
They advised the government to withdraw from funding religious pilgrimages, arguing that public funds should be redirected toward urgent national needs.
“The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organizing pilgrimages. The current structure of national and state pilgrimage boards does not serve the broader interest of the nation.
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“Instances of corruption have led to the removal of some board executives, highlighting the need for greater efficiency and accountability,” Archbishop Ugorji added.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, who was present at the meeting, reiterated the need for Nigerians to support the government through temporary hardships, emphasising that reforms take time to yield results.
“Economic reforms worldwide often come with short-term difficulties. However, today, the federal government has more funds to fulfil its promises and secure the future of our children and generations unborn,” he said.
He highlighted security improvements, particularly in the North, where movement along previously unsafe routes, such as Abuja to Kaduna, has significantly improved.
He also revealed that the National Value Charter, first introduced in the President’s 2025 New Year message, would soon be launched to restore national values.
The event was also attended by National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and other key government officials.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude for the prayers of religious leaders and noted growing optimism about Nigeria’s economic future.
“Investors are coming in, and people are speaking positively about Nigeria. What seemed like a difficult beginning is now showing signs of hope, and we are not even halfway through,” he said.
He assured the bishops that his administration remains open to dialogue, pledging continued engagement with religious leaders in the pursuit of national unity and development.
