Tinubu to Catholic Bishops: Nigeria more secure now than in 2023
By John Okezie
President Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the country is more secure today than it was in 2023 and that his administration has recorded significant strides in combating terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.
The president made the remarks in response to concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) about the state of security and economy.
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga
Noted that over 8,000 criminals have been neutralized and thousands of hostages rescued since President Tinubu assumed office.
“The security situation in Nigeria has improved significantly since President Tinubu took office”, he said.
In a statement titled “Nigeria, Under President Tinubu, Is Moving In The Right Direction”, he said: “In terms of insecurity, Nigeria is more secure today than it was in 2023, thanks to our military and other security agencies and the strong leadership provided by President Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief.
“In the last two years, over 8000 criminals – bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers – have been eliminated, and over 10,000 Nigerians – primarily women and children have been rescued from their abductors. As a result of improved security in our communities, especially in the North-West and the North-East, farmers have returned to their farms, and our country has seen increased food production, which is currently driving down prices of essential commodities.
“Farmers in Kaduna, Kebbi and Jigawa are eloquent testimonies of the improved security ambience. Similarly, farmers growing cash crops in many parts of the country are experiencing a new life of boom and prosperity.”
Onanuga said Tinubu’s administration has stabilised the economy from the precarious situation it inherited on assumption of office. He said: “Our balance of trade has improved, foreign reserves are in a stronger position, inflation has moderated, our currency is gaining strength against convertible currencies, local refining capacity has tremendously increased on the back of Dangote Refinery and NNPCL Refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri, going on stream.
“Realising the importance of youth to national development and economic growth, President Tinubu’s administration has designed programmes that will catalyse youth employment, enhance their capability, and harness their ingenuity, creativity, and talents for better productivity.
Abeyanews reports that at the conference, the bishops had emphasised the need for urgent action to address ongoing hardships and insecurity, as millions of Nigerians continue to face extreme poverty and fear.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference, at its first plenary meeting of 2025 in Abuja at the weekend, raised the alarm over the state of the nation with particular reference to insecurity and poverty in the land.
In his opening address, CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru listed youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud as some of the ills plaguing the country. He demanded quick action from leaders nationwide to stop the country from drifting.
