Tinubu to Catholic Bishops: Tough reforms necessary to secure Nigeria’s future
Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that he fully understands their hardships but emphasized that ongoing economic reforms are necessary to build a stronger and more resilient country for future generations.
Speaking during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, President Tinubu reiterated that his administration’s policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies, were tough but essential to prevent Nigeria from financial collapse.
“Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for me, but it was a decision we had to make. We cannot bankrupt our country. We were spending the investment meant for our children’s future,” he said.
The President called for national unity in tackling poverty and economic challenges, stressing that economic hardship has no religious bias and affects everyone equally. He urged both leaders and citizens to contribute toward nation-building, particularly through tax reforms that would generate resources for development.
On the bishops’ request to return mission schools taken over by the government, President Tinubu clarified that such institutions fall under state governments’ jurisdiction but noted that as a former governor of Lagos State, he had returned mission schools to their original owners.
The President also acknowledged the role of Catholic institutions in education and healthcare, highlighting his administration’s efforts to support students through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He promised to explore ways to extend assistance to students in private institutions.
Addressing security concerns, President Tinubu assured that security agencies are making progress in curbing insecurity across the country, adding that violence affects both Christians and Muslims.
“This insecurity affects everyone. I have no religious bias; my wife is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. But we must think of Nigeria beyond religious divisions,” he stated.
