Tinubu to Catholic Bishops: Economic reforms necessary to build resilient country, guaranteed future

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, in the State House, restates he ‘fully understands what Nigerians are going through’, but the current economic reforms are necessary to build a resilient economy and guarantee the future of their children

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated that he fully understands what Nigerians are going through, but that the current economic reforms are necessary to build a resilient country and guarantee the future of their children.

The President said this Friday, March 14, 2025, in Abuja, FCT, when he received the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Friday stated President Tinubu highlighted the importance of citizens and leaders investing in the nation to build a strong society.

The Nigerian leader also emphasised that poverty affects everyone regardless of religion and called for collective efforts to fight it.

The tax reforms presented a good investment opportunity for citizens to build their nation, stated he.

The President noted: “Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for me, but it’s a hard choice that Nigeria must face.

“We are not going to bankrupt our country. We were spending the investment of the future of our children yet unborn.”

He further said: “We were spending their rights, and poverty has no religious basis. There’s no religious colouration, no identity.

“It affects all, and we must fight it together.”

No religious bias

As regards the request to return mission schools that governments have taken over, President Tinubu said schools are subnational entities, not owned by the Federal Government.

He explained: “I’ve been a good example as the governor of Lagos state. I returned all the mission schools.”

President Tinubu commended the Catholic body’s commitment to education and healthcare.

He added that he set up NELFUND to ensure that no student dropped out of school due to a lack of funds for tuition fees.

Tinubu assured them of exploring ways to help students of private institutions that NELFUND does not cover.

President Tinubu noted that the security agencies are already curtailing the nation’s insecurity. He stressed that adherents of all religions felt the impact of the efforts.

The President noted: “This insecurity, everyone is affected, Christians, Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot.

“My wife is a pastor of Redeemed Christian Church.”

He averred: “But we have to think of our country; this country must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry. And I’m here open to you, ready to listen.

“We’ve been together for some time. We have an open-door policy. I will not shut my door.”

The President thanked religious leaders for their prayers, as the country is already witnessing a better deal and a newfound optimism.

Tinubu also highlighted the competition among operators in the petroleum sector, the bountiful harvest enjoyed by farmers, and the lower prices of commodities, adding that investments are flowing into the country.

He stated: “There is hope; people are coming in to invest. They are saying good things about Nigeria.

“I am very proud of that. What seems to be a very difficult beginning is now showing us hope. And we are not half-time yet.”

The President said: “I’m happy to see this period alive and healthy, and I am thankful to all of you for your prayers.”

Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri and the CBCN President, who led the delegation of 20 Bishops from across the country, said they were in the State House to congratulate President Tinubu on his victory.

He noted that they have not had the opportunity to do so since last year, and to commend him for his efforts to reposition the country and share some concerns.

Bishop Ugorji said: “Your government’s policy mantra is anchored on the principles of Renewed Hope.

“In this regard, we are pleased to inform you that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has declared this year as the year of hope, the Jubilee Year of Hope, a theme we adopted for our conference.

“We came with the final fruits of our deliberations and will share them with you.”

According to the cleric, the removal of fuel subsidies had undoubtedly affected the people and commended the tax reforms initiative, which he believed would “generate, in the long run, more resources for advancing the common good.”

He acknowledged the efforts of security agencies to curtail insecurity in the land.

Still, he urged for more concerted efforts to “rekindle hope and inspire confidence in the hearts of our people.”

The Bishops advocated a well-defined vision of religion as a force for moral integrity and patriotic unity without necessarily impinging on individuals’ fundamental rights.

According to them, “efforts should be made to ensure that religious practice in Nigeria fosters unity rather than division.”

On sponsoring religious pilgrimages

The Catholic Bishops suggested that government should hands-off sponsorship to curtail waste and corruption.

Most Reverend Ugorji stated: “The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organising pilgrimages.

He noted: “In their current structure, the national and state pilgrims’ boards serve neither their adherents nor the broader interest of the nation.

“You’re undoubtedly aware of the instances of corruption that have led to the removal of some board executives to ensure greater efficiency and accountability.

“We would propose that public funds be redirected towards pressing national needs.”

Speaking at the meeting, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, who was also at the event, recalled his attendance at the Charismatic Bishop Conference in 2024.

Idris emphasised the need for Nigeria to remain together, to be united, to be focused, and to maintain support for the government, even in the face of temporary hardship.

He said: “It is no news that in any reform that happens in all parts of the world, temporary hardships are usually experienced.

“And we’re happy to note that today, not only does the federal government have more money to spend to bring about the kind of promises that the President made at the very beginning, but also to ensure that the future, according to the President, as he always says, the future of our children and the children yet unborn, will not be frittered away.”

Mohammed said security had greatly improved in the country.

The Minister stated: “In 2023, I know how difficult it was to move from Abuja to Kaduna; it is almost impossible just to take your car, fuel it, and begin to go on that road.

“Today, this is not the case. We know that farmers used to find it extremely difficult to go to the farms.

“We know that this has not completely gone away, but it is a reality that today, no one asks questions to move from Abuja to Kaduna or any part of the North.”

Idris further noted the National Value Charter that the President championed in his 2025 New Year message would be launched soon, to ensure that Nigerians come together to reclaim the country’s lost values.

He added that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) is working to ensure that both religions teach the Bible and the Quran in our schools and the return of civic education.

The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, also attended the event.

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