President Bola Tinubu met with the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), headed by Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House to discuss the state of the nation. During the session, the President emphasized that his administration is actively restructuring security institutions, upgrading logistical support, and enhancing intelligence to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. He highlighted the expansion of the armed forces and the construction of new barracks as evidence of his commitment to national stability.
Addressing the bishops, President Tinubu claimed that his administration has successfully steered the nation away from the threat of bankruptcy. He noted that the economy is showing signs of recovery and that his government remains focused on interventions like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to improve the lives of citizens. The President also lauded the stability of the academic calendar, specifically noting that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is not currently on strike.
In response, Archbishop Ndagoso, on behalf of the 19 CBCN leaders present, expressed appreciation for the ongoing dialogue between the government and the Vatican. He brought forward several national concerns, including the need for quality tertiary education, poverty reduction, and the protection of democratic integrity. The Archbishop specifically urged the President to consider returning mission schools and ensuring equal treatment for all religious groups. Furthermore, the CBCN leadership appealed for the President to ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted in a free and fair manner to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.
