“We’ve Stabilised Nigeria, We Will Defeat Terrorism; Prosperity Is on the Horizon,” Tinubu Assures

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday assured Nigerians that his administration has stabilised the country and is repositioning the nation’s security architecture to defeat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, declaring that prosperity is now within reach.

Speaking while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said his government had pulled the economy away from the brink of bankruptcy and was implementing reforms that would deliver lasting security and economic growth.

“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,” the President said.

Adding, “The spirit of the people is lifting, and the economic turmoil that we feared is cleared. The economy has been delivered from bankruptcy.

“This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving.”

On security, Tinubu said his administration was strengthening intelligence gathering, restructuring security institutions, improving logistics and expanding the armed forces to tackle insecurity across the country.

“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,” he disclosed, urging religious leaders to continue preaching peace and condemning violent extremism.

The President stressed that Nigeria’s unity must remain paramount, saying: “We don’t have another country but here – this Nigeria.”

He also highlighted progress in the education sector, noting that public universities had remained open.

“You can’t say 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? For me, that’s answered prayer,” he emphasised.

Speaking on preparations for the 2027 general elections, Tinubu maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, remained impartial.

“The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me,” he pointed out.

Earlier, CBCN President and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, congratulated the President on Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with the Vatican but raised concerns over insecurity, poverty, access to quality tertiary education and the need to strengthen democratic institutions.

He also urged the Federal Government to ensure credible elections in 2027 and appealed for the return of mission schools and equal treatment for all religious groups.

“As a man who risked so much in the struggle for the return of democratic rule in the dark days of the military dictatorship, your greatest legacy would be the strengthening of our democratic institutions,” Ndagoso said.