Aso Villa Visit: “We Are Stabilising the Nation, Prosperity Is on the Horizon” — Tinubu Tells Catholic Bishops

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed confidence that Nigeria is steadily overcoming its economic and security challenges, assuring that his administration’s reforms are laying the foundation for lasting stability and prosperity.

Speaking on Tuesday while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President said the country had made significant progress despite inheriting severe economic and structural difficulties.

“We are stabilising the nation, and prosperity is on the horizon,” Tinubu told the bishops, adding that his government remains committed to policies that will improve the welfare of Nigerians and restore confidence in the country’s future.

The President noted that his administration had taken difficult but necessary decisions to prevent economic collapse, insisting that the reforms are beginning to yield positive results. He said ongoing efforts to strengthen public finances, expand social intervention programmes and attract investment are designed to create sustainable economic growth.

On security, Tinubu acknowledged the concerns of many Nigerians but maintained that the government had intensified operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime. He said security agencies have continued to record operational gains across different parts of the country, while efforts are underway to further improve intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.

The President also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a major initiative aimed at making higher education more accessible by easing the financial burden on students and their families.

Tinubu further pointed to the relative stability in the nation’s public university system, noting that the absence of prolonged industrial action has enabled students to complete their academic programmes without the frequent disruptions experienced in previous years.

Calling for continued national unity, the President urged religious leaders to remain partners in promoting peace, moral values and social cohesion. He said faith-based organisations have a critical role to play in fostering dialogue, encouraging patriotism and supporting government efforts to build a stronger nation.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, alongside other church leaders, raised issues relating to the nation’s economic situation, insecurity and governance, while reaffirming the Church’s commitment to praying for Nigeria and supporting initiatives that promote justice, peace and national development.

The meeting formed part of the Tinubu administration’s ongoing engagement with religious leaders on key national issues, including security, economic reforms, education and the country’s democratic development.