Tinubu Claps Back At ‘Outdated’ Catholic Bishops, Says Nigeria On Right Track

President Bola Tinubu has responded to criticism from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), which warned of a looming national crisis due to worsening youth unemployment and frustration among citizens.

The CBCN, at its first plenary meeting of 2025 in Abuja over the weekend, raised concerns about the state of the economy and governance.

In his address, CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru mentioned youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud among serious issues needing urgent action to prevent the country from drifting into crisis.

“The situation is even worsened by mass layoffs due to the collapse of many companies under the weight of a harsh and hostile economic climate,” said Iwejuru.

“We cannot be tired of urging the government at all levels to take youth unemployment seriously. Until there is a massive, ongoing creation of jobs, the government may continue to lose the war against insecurity and violent crime.”

Reacting in a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged the bishops’ concerns but claimed that Nigeria has made remarkable progress in various sectors since he took office nearly two years ago.

According to the statement, insecurity in the country has significantly improved compared to 2023, with the military and security agencies eliminating over 8,000 criminals, including bandits, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers.

The presidency added that more than 10,000 Nigerians have been rescued from kidnappers and other criminals.

It credited this to his administration’s strong leadership, adding that increased security in the North-West and North-East had allowed farmers to return to their farmland. He said this has led to higher food production and a reduction in the prices of essential goods.

The statement partly reads, “On the economy, Tinubu’s administration has stabilised the economy from the precarious situation it inherited on assumption of office. Our balance of trade has improved, foreign reserves are in a stronger position, inflation has moderated, our currency is gaining strength against convertible currencies, and local refining capacity has tremendously increased on the back of Dangote Refinery and NNPCL Refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri, going on stream.

“Realising the importance of youth to national development and economic growth, President Tinubu’s administration has designed programmes that will catalyse youth employment, enhance their capability, and harness their ingenuity, creativity, and talents for better productivity.

“These programmes, including 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, were designed to create over 10 million new jobs for young people.

“More than ever, the country has increased revenue collection phenomenally and is mobilising more local revenue to fund critical development priorities.

“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria spends more on economic and social infrastructure such as roads, power, healthcare, education, and security. The unprecedented N54.9 trillion 2025 budget is designed to revitalise the economy and set it on a new growth trajectory.

“Local and international institutions have continued to praise the Tinubu administration’s implementation of necessary reforms.

“Last week, Chatham House, a United Kingdom International Affairs policy think tank, praised President Tinubu’s economic management team. In an article, Chatham House said Nigeria’s economy had been most competitive under President Tinubu in 25 years due to his reforms.

“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. President Tinubu and his team will continue to work very hard on behalf of our compatriots to deliver the promise of a greater and stronger Nigeria. The Tinubu administration is optimistic about the future and the ongoing positive changes.”

Tinubu Claps Back At ‘Outdated’ Catholic Bishops, Says Nigeria On Right Track is first published on The Whistler Newspaper