RismadarVoice Reporters, July 28, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms of the nation’s security architecture will deliver decisive victories against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while expressing optimism that the country’s economy has stabilised and prosperity is on the horizon.
The President gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The delegation, which comprised 19 senior Catholic clerics, met with the President to discuss issues affecting the country, including insecurity, education, poverty, democratic governance and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the bishops, Tinubu said his administration was repositioning Nigeria’s security institutions through improved intelligence gathering, institutional reforms, enhanced logistics, expanded military capacity and better welfare for personnel.
According to him, the government has also approved the expansion of the armed forces and is investing in new military equipment and infrastructure to strengthen the nation’s ability to combat violent crimes.
“We don’t have another country but Nigeria. In our complexity and diversity, we shall thrive, live, rejoice and be good to all humanity.
“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment and building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. Religious leaders should also continue to preach against violence and support efforts to restore peace across the country,” the President said.
Tinubu urged religious leaders to complement government efforts by promoting national unity, condemning violent extremism and encouraging citizens to embrace peace and coexistence.
On the economy, the President maintained that his administration had successfully rescued Nigeria from an impending fiscal crisis, insisting that the reforms initiated since he assumed office had placed the country on a path of recovery.
“I have listened carefully to your concerns, especially on security and education. I can say categorically that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The fear of bankruptcy and the uncertainty we inherited have been addressed.
“The spirit of the people is rising, and the economic turmoil we feared has eased. This government has stabilised the nation, and prosperity is on the horizon. Life is improving,” he said.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to poverty reduction through targeted interventions, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the initiatives aimed at expanding access to higher education and improving opportunities for young Nigerians.
He also encouraged citizens to take advantage of government and private sector opportunities in education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition to improve their livelihoods.
Speaking on the education sector, Tinubu said the stability currently being witnessed in public universities was a significant achievement, noting that the absence of prolonged industrial actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had restored confidence in tertiary education.
“You can’t say a four-year university programme is no longer four years. ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony into our homes anymore. For me, that is an answered prayer,” he said.
The President also disclosed that more universities had been approved to meet the increasing demand for tertiary education, adding that enrolment data from the National Universities Commission would support effective implementation of the student loan scheme.
On the 2027 general elections, Tinubu expressed confidence in the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing allegations of bias in the electoral process.
“The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral and has not intimidated anyone. If some political opponents are crying wolf, perhaps they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty within their own camps, not because of this government,” he stated.
Responding to calls for the return of mission schools, the President said state governments possess the constitutional authority to make such decisions, recalling that he returned mission schools to their original owners while serving as Governor of Lagos State.
“I returned all mission schools when I was Governor of Lagos State, and Cardinal Anthony Okogie is alive to testify to that,” he said.
Earlier, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, commended Tinubu for the warm reception accorded to the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
Ndagoso, however, raised concerns over the country’s security challenges, rising poverty, access to quality tertiary education, credible elections and the need to deepen democratic governance.
He urged the Federal Government to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2027, describing the strengthening of democratic institutions as a lasting legacy for the Tinubu administration.
“As a man who risked so much in the struggle for the return of democratic rule during military rule, your greatest legacy would be the strengthening of our democratic institutions,” the archbishop said.
The CBCN president also appealed for the return of mission schools where applicable and called for equal treatment of all religious groups, including equitable access to places of worship across the country.
Among those on the delegation were Archbishop of Lagos and CBCN Vice President, Most Rev. Alfred Martins; Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; Bishop of Ekwulobia, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke; Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama; Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke; Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, and other senior Catholic clerics.
