Tinubu: Nigeria Has Recovered from Bankruptcy, Prosperity Is on the Horizon

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration has stabilised the country and placed it on the path to prosperity, declaring that the economy has recovered from the threat of bankruptcy inherited at the beginning of his tenure.

The President made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting attended by 19 Catholic bishops, President Tinubu said his administration had made significant progress in restoring economic stability despite the challenges it inherited.

“I have listened to you carefully, and most importantly, your key areas are security and education. I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered,” the President said.

“The alarm for bankruptcy and dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed. The spirit of the people is lifting, and the economic turmoil that we feared is cleared. The economy has been delivered from bankruptcy.”

“I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. I have been running with it. This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving.” He added.

Tinubu Vows to Defeat Terrorism

On security, the President assured the bishops that his administration was restructuring the nation’s security architecture to tackle terrorism, banditry and kidnapping more effectively.

According to him, government efforts include enhanced intelligence gathering, restructuring security institutions, improved logistics and better welfare for military personnel.

“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism,” he said.

Tinubu also urged religious leaders to continue preaching against violence and support efforts aimed at restoring peace across the country.

Education, NELFUND and ASUU

President Tinubu highlighted improvements in the education sector, pointing to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the absence of prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

“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 said.

He also noted that the Federal Government had approved more universities to accommodate the growing number of students seeking higher education.

2027 Elections

Addressing concerns about the 2027 general elections, Tinubu insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains neutral and committed to conducting credible elections.

“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,” the President stated.

Catholic Bishops Raise Concerns

Earlier, CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, commended the President for strengthening diplomatic ties with the Vatican but expressed concerns over insecurity, poverty, access to quality education and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The bishops also appealed to the President to consider returning mission schools to their original owners and ensure fairness in the provision of worship centres across the country.

Archbishop Ndagoso further urged President Tinubu to guarantee free, fair and credible elections in 2027, describing the strengthening of democratic institutions as a legacy worthy of his administration.

The meeting was attended by several prominent Catholic leaders, including Cardinals John Onaiyekan and Peter Okpaleke, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Archbishop Alfred Martins, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin and other senior clerics.