By Paschal Norbert
ABUJA, MARCH 27, 2025 (CISA) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerian citizens that he fully understands the hardships they are facing due to ongoing economic reforms. However, he emphasized that these reforms are crucial for building a resilient nation and securing a prosperous future for generations to come.
In a press statement shared by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on March 14, 2025. The President made these remarks when he received a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at State House in Abuja.
The meeting comes in the wake of the bishops’ recent plenary session in March, during which they criticized the government for rising insecurity and a deteriorating economy.
Addressing the bishops, President Tinubu underscored the necessity of economic adjustments, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy and the introduction of tax reforms, which he described as painful but inevitable decisions for national development.
“We were spending the investment of the future of our children yet unborn; we were spending their rights, and poverty has no religious basis. There’s no religious colouration, no identity. It affects all, and we must fight it together,” the President emphasized.
In response to calls from the bishops for the return of mission schools taken over by the government, President Tinubu clarified that such institutions are under the jurisdiction of state governments, not the Federal Government.
“I’ve been a good example as the governor of Lagos State. I returned all the mission schools,” he stated, highlighting his previous efforts in the education sector.
Security Challenges and National Unity
With concerns over the nation’s security situation, President Tinubu assured the bishops that his government is actively addressing the issue.
“This insecurity, everyone is affected, Christians, Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church. But we have to think of our country; this country must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry. And I’m here open to you, ready to listen,” he said.
The President also thanked religious leaders for their prayers, attributing improvements in the economy and national security to their support. He cited increased investment in the country, improved agricultural productivity, and growing confidence in Nigeria’s economic future as positive indicators of progress.
Catholic Bishops’ Response and Concerns
Leading the CBCN delegation of over 20 bishops, Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and CBCN President, acknowledged the President’s efforts while also voicing concerns about the economic hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.
“Your government’s policy mantra is anchored on the principles of Renewed Hope. In this regard, we are pleased to inform you that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has declared this year as the year of hope, the Jubilee Year of Hope, a theme we adopted for our conference. We came with the final fruits of our deliberations and will share them with you,” said Archbishop Ugorji referencing the collective sentiments of the bishops at the end of their plenary.
While commending the tax reform initiative for its long-term benefits, he urged the government to intensify efforts to alleviate economic difficulties and enhance security measures to restore hope among Nigerians.
Call for Religious Tolerance and Governance Reforms
The bishops further called for a well-defined national vision that promotes religious harmony and unity, ensuring that faith practices contribute to national cohesion rather than division.
They also called for the government to discontinue public sponsorship of religious pilgrimages, arguing that such funding should be redirected towards urgent national needs.
The prelates explained, “The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organizing pilgrimages. In their current structure, the national and state pilgrims’ boards serve neither their adherents nor the broader interest of the nation. You’re undoubtedly aware of the instances of corruption that have led to the removal of some board executives to ensure greater efficiency and accountability.”
“We would propose that public funds be redirected towards pressing national needs,” Archbishop Ugorji emphasized.
