President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria is regaining stability, declaring that the economy has recovered from the brink of bankruptcy while security efforts are gathering momentum under his administration.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House in Abuja. The delegation was led by the conference’s President and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso.
Responding to concerns raised by the bishops, Tinubu said his administration had made significant progress in stabilising the economy and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
“I can tell you categorically, now with sincerity, that the country has been placed on sound footing. The economy has recovered,” the President said.
“The alarm for bankruptcy, the dark tunnel of uncertainty that we entered into when I came in, has changed.”
Tinubu said he inherited both assets and liabilities but had succeeded in restoring stability despite the economic challenges facing the country.
“This government has stabilised and has prosperity on the horizon. The quality of life is improving,” he added.
Highlighting achievements in the education sector, the President said public universities now enjoy uninterrupted academic calendars, describing it as evidence of the government’s commitment to education and national development.
“None of your children in the university today can say a four-year course is no longer four years. They are not on strike. Is that not an answer to our prayers?” he asked.
On security, Tinubu acknowledged that the country continues to face threats but assured Nigerians that the government is strengthening the capacity of the armed forces to tackle terrorism and other security challenges.
“I inherited the challenges. I didn’t run away. I asked for this job, and I’m in it,” he said.
The President disclosed that he had approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army, with additional investments in personnel, equipment, barracks, operational bases and counter-terrorism operations.
“We all must fight terrorism together. We have that responsibility to our nation and to our society,” he told the bishops.
Speaking on preparations for the 2027 general elections, Tinubu maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would remain neutral and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
“The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone,” he said.
“If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me.”
The President also defended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a transformative initiative that is expanding access to higher education.
“NELFUND is doing wonders to our children. They are even earning stipends while they are in the universities,” he said.
Responding to calls for the return of mission schools, Tinubu said the responsibility lies with state governments under the provisions of the Constitution.
“The schools are in the states. Preach to the governors of your states. There is no need for constitutional amendment for that,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed that education remains one of the strongest tools for tackling poverty and ignorance, while stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should continue to serve as a source of unity and national development.
“I won’t deviate from our national identity. Diversity is the backbone of our prosperity and the future stability of this country,” he said.
Earlier, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso urged the Federal Government to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2027, intensify efforts to combat insecurity and kidnappings, and implement policies that will improve the welfare of Nigerians.
