On March 14, 2025, President Bola Tinubu welcomed a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Led by Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the delegation included prominent figures such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Bishop Emeritus John Cardinal Onaiyekan.
Bishops’ Concerns
The CBCN delegation expressed deep concerns over pressing national issues:
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Security: They highlighted ongoing challenges with kidnapping, terrorism, and communal clashes affecting various regions.
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Economic Hardship: The bishops pointed out the rising cost of living, unemployment, and poverty exacerbated by recent policy changes, including fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation.
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Social Welfare: They advocated for equitable access to quality education and healthcare, emphasizing the need for increased investment in these sectors to uplift the most vulnerable populations.
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Religious Freedom: The bishops raised concerns about the treatment of Christian minorities, particularly in northern Nigeria, and called for justice and fairness in land allocations for places of worship.
President’s Response
President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing them:
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Economic Reforms: He emphasized the necessity of current economic reforms to build a resilient nation and secure a better future, despite the immediate hardships they may cause.
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Security Measures: The President highlighted ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, noting improvements in certain areas and the government’s dedication to restoring peace nationwide.
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Nation-Building: Tinubu stressed the importance of unity and collective effort in nation-building, urging collaboration across all sectors to achieve common goals.
Government’s Position
In response to the bishops’ earlier criticisms, the Presidency, through Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged existing governance challenges but highlighted significant progress:
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Security Achievements: Over the past two years, security forces have eliminated over 8,000 criminals, including bandits and terrorists, and rescued more than 10,000 individuals, primarily women and children.
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Economic Stability: The administration claims to have stabilized the economy, improved Nigeria’s financial standing, and facilitated the return of farmers to their lands, leading to increased food production and reduced commodity prices.
Conclusion
The meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops underscores the administration’s willingness to engage with religious leaders on critical national issues. While acknowledging existing challenges, the government emphasizes ongoing efforts to improve security, economic stability, and social welfare. The dialogue reflects a collaborative approach to nation-building, aiming for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
