President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared that Nigeria has overcome its most difficult economic challenges and is now on the path to sustained stability and prosperity, assuring that ongoing reforms in the security sector will ultimately defeat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.

The President gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House, Abuja.

The delegation comprised 19 senior Catholic clerics, including Cardinals John Onaiyekan and Peter Okpaleke, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto and other members of the conference.

Addressing the bishops, Tinubu said his administration had embarked on a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, institutional reforms, enhanced logistics and better welfare for frontline personnel.

He disclosed that he had approved the expansion of the Armed Forces, alongside the acquisition of more military equipment and construction of additional barracks, expressing confidence that the measures would significantly strengthen the country’s capacity to confront insecurity.

“I have just approved the expansion of the Armed Forces. We are getting more equipment and building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons. We do not have another country but Nigeria. In our diversity and complexity, we shall continue to thrive and live together as one people,” the President said.

Tinubu appealed to religious leaders to continue preaching peace, national unity and patriotism, urging them to mobilise their congregations in support of efforts to restore lasting peace across the country.

On the economy, the President maintained that his administration had successfully steered Nigeria away from the brink of economic collapse, insisting that the painful reforms undertaken since assuming office were beginning to yield positive results.

“I have listened carefully to your concerns, particularly on security and education. I can tell you categorically that this country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The fears of bankruptcy and the dark tunnel of uncertainty we inherited have given way to renewed hope.

“The spirit of Nigerians is rising again. The economic turmoil we feared has eased. The economy has been rescued from bankruptcy.

“I have always said that I inherited both the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. We have stabilised this country, and prosperity is on the horizon. Life is improving,” he said.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to poverty reduction through targeted interventions, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the flagship initiatives designed to expand access to higher education and ease the financial burden on families.

He also urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition, stressing that sustainable economic growth would depend on a productive and skilled population.

According to him, unity, stability and national development remain collective responsibilities.

“Our founding fathers handed over this nation to us. We owe it to generations yet unborn to preserve and strengthen it,” he said.

Tinubu pointed to the uninterrupted academic calendar in public universities as evidence of progress in the education sector.

“You cannot say a four-year university programme is no longer four years. ASUU is not on strike. They are no longer bringing agony into our homes. For me, that is an answered prayer,” he remarked.

On Nigeria’s electoral process, the President expressed confidence in the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing allegations of bias ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“INEC has remained neutral. The opportunities are equal for everyone. They have not intimidated anybody. If some political opponents are crying wolf, perhaps they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty within their own camps, not me,” he said.

Responding to requests for the return of mission schools, Tinubu noted that state governments possess the constitutional authority to make such decisions, recalling that he returned mission schools while serving as Governor of Lagos State.

“I returned all mission schools when I was governor of Lagos State. Cardinal Okogie is alive to testify to that,” he said.

He added that his administration had approved the establishment of more universities to expand access to tertiary education and align with the objectives of the student loan scheme.

Earlier, CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, commended the President for receiving Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, during the recent celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.

The Catholic bishops, however, urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, improve access to quality tertiary education, deepen democratic governance, guarantee credible elections and address widespread poverty.

They also appealed for the return of mission schools where feasible and called for equal treatment of all religious groups, including the provision of places of worship across the country without discrimination.

“As a man who sacrificed so much in the struggle to restore democratic rule during the military era, your greatest legacy would be the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions through credible, free and fair elections,” Archbishop Ndagoso told the President.