By Paschal Norbert
ABUJA, MARCH 14, 2025 (CISA) – The Nigerian Presidency has strongly reacted to criticisms from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), maintaining that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is steering the nation in the right direction.
The rebuttal follows a statement by Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the CBCN, who voiced deep concerns over the economy, insecurity, corruption, and youth unemployment, warning that the nation risked further turmoil. The bishops, in their collective communiqué on March 14, reinforced these concerns, sounding the alarm over the worsening economic and security conditions in the country.
The Catholic bishops, led by Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri, had painted a dire picture of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, calling on the government to take urgent measures to alleviate suffering and restore faith in the electoral system. In their March 14 statement, the bishops lamented the persistent insecurity plaguing various parts of the country, the rising cost of living, and governance failures, stating that “cases of kidnapping and the mindless killing of innocent people still abound.”
However, in a press statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on March 10, 2025, the Presidency dismissed the bishops’ concerns as “alarming prognosis” and outdated rhetoric that failed to acknowledge the progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“While some of the governance challenges in the areas highlighted by the Bishops remain, it is important to state categorically that our country has made tremendous progress in all areas since President Tinubu assumed office about 22 months ago,” the statement read.
The Presidency defended its record on security, claiming that Nigeria is now safer than it was in 2023. It cited the elimination of over 8,000 criminals, including bandits and Boko Haram terrorists, and the rescue of over 10,000 kidnapped Nigerians, primarily women and children. The statement also pointed to improved security in the North-East and North-West, which has allowed farmers to return to their lands, increasing food production and, consequently, reducing the prices of essential commodities.
On the economy, the Presidency countered claims of economic hardship, arguing that the administration has stabilized the economy and strengthened Nigeria’s financial standing. It highlighted improvements in foreign reserves, the appreciation of the naira, and increased local refining capacity, boosted by the operationalization of the Dangote Refinery and the revitalization of NNPCL refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri.
“The balance of trade has improved, foreign reserves are in a stronger position, inflation has moderated, and our currency is gaining strength against convertible currencies,” the statement asserted.
The government also outlined efforts aimed at youth empowerment, listing various initiatives such as 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, which it claimed are set to generate over 10 million new jobs. Furthermore, it boasted about increased revenue collection and record spending on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security, backed by the unprecedented N54.9 trillion 2025 budget.
To reinforce its claims of progress, the Presidency referenced international recognition of its economic policies, particularly a recent report from Chatham House, a UK-based policy think tank, which praised Tinubu’s economic reforms as making Nigeria’s economy the most competitive it has been in 25 years.
While acknowledging ongoing difficulties faced by many Nigerians, the Presidency remained firm in its conviction that the current policies were setting the stage for long-term prosperity.
“While we agree that many Nigerians still face difficulties, we remain convinced that the government is making the right decisions that will lead to a better and more prosperous country,” Onanuga stated.
The sharp response from the Presidency underscores the growing tension between the government and religious leaders who wield significant moral influence in Nigerian society. The CBCN’s critique resonated with many citizens grappling with economic hardship and insecurity, while the government remains intent on defending its record and emphasizing what it describes as steady progress.
As Nigeria moves deeper into 2025, the debate over governance, economic management, and security is expected to continue, with the Catholic bishops and other civic groups keeping the administration under close scrutiny.
