Nigeria moving in right direction under Tinubu – Presidency

By Kunle Sanni

The Nigerian presidency has assured citizens that the country is on the right track under President Bola Tinubu, citing improvements in security, economic stability, and youth employment initiatives.

The response follows concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) during its first plenary meeting of 2025 in Abuja. The bishops highlighted pressing issues such as youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud, urging swift action to prevent further decline.

In a statement issued on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged the bishops’ concerns but emphasized the significant progress made since Tinubu assumed office nearly two years ago.

According to Onanuga, Nigeria is now more secure than in 2023, attributing this to the efforts of the military and security agencies under Tinubu’s leadership. He stated that over 8,000 criminals—including bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram insurgents, and kidnappers—have been eliminated, while more than 10,000 Nigerians, mainly women and children, have been rescued.

“Farmers in the North-West and North-East are returning to their fields due to improved security, leading to increased food production and a decline in the prices of essential commodities,” he noted.

The statement also highlighted economic improvements, including a strengthened currency, increased foreign reserves, and moderated inflation. Onanuga credited the administration’s reforms and the operationalization of local refineries, such as the Dangote Refinery and the NNPCL’s Port Harcourt and Warri facilities.

He further noted that revenue collection has increased significantly, allowing for greater investment in critical infrastructure such as roads, power, healthcare, education, and security.

The government reiterated its commitment to youth empowerment through various initiatives, including the 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund. These programs, the presidency stated, aim to generate over 10 million jobs for young people.