The Nigerian Presidency stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is progressing positively, addressing concerns from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference regarding the economy. Security improvements, increased agricultural production, and several initiatives to boost youth employment were emphasized as signs of progress. The administration is dedicated to fostering economic growth and stability, despite ongoing challenges.
On Monday, representatives of the Nigerian Presidency asserted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is steering the economy in a positive direction. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President for Information and Strategy, made this statement in response to concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference at its plenary meeting held in Abuja over the weekend. He characterized the conference’s assessment of the economy as overly pessimistic and outdated.
In his address, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), stated that issues such as youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud pose significant challenges to the nation, and called for urgent action from leadership to avert further decline.
Mr. Onanuga acknowledged the important role that the Catholic Bishops play in governance and commended their commitment to national unity and peace. He emphasized that, despite existing challenges, Nigeria has seen considerable progress since President Tinubu assumed office 22 months ago, particularly in terms of security and economic stability.
The adviser highlighted that Nigeria is currently in a more secure state compared to 2023, thanks to the active involvement of the military and other security agencies under President Tinubu’s leadership. He noted that over 8,000 criminals, including notorious bandits and terrorists, have been neutralized, and more than 10,000 abducted Nigerians have been rescued.
In conjunction with improved security conditions, farming has seen a resurgence, especially in the North-West and North-East regions, leading to enhanced food production and lower prices of essential goods. Farmers in Kaduna, Kebbi, and Jigawa have reported significant improvements in their yields.
Mr. Onanuga further remarked that the Tinubu administration has stabilized the economy, noting improvements in the balance of trade, strengthening foreign reserves, moderating inflation, and an appreciating currency. He referenced increased local refining capacity driven by the Dangote Refinery and NNPCL Refineries as pivotal developments for the economy.
To support national economic growth, President Tinubu’s administration has established various programmes aimed at creating employment opportunities for the youth. Initiatives including 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund have been launched to generate over 10 million jobs.
According to Mr. Onanuga, revenue collection has improved under President Tinubu, allowing for increased investments in infrastructure across sectors such as transportation, health, and education. The unprecedented budget of N54.9 trillion for 2025 is anticipated to further invigorate the economy.
The Tinubu administration has received acclaim from both local and international observers for implementing essential reforms, including praise from Chatham House, a prominent policy think tank in the UK, highlighting Nigeria’s competitive economic standing under Tinubu’s leadership. Mr. Onanuga concluded that while many Nigerians still face hardships, the government remains dedicated to making decisions that will benefit the nation and foster a brighter future.
In summary, the presidency claims that under President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is experiencing significant progress in both security and economic stability, despite the challenges acknowledged by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference. The administration’s focus on youth empowerment, infrastructure investment, and reforms has been highlighted as central to the nation’s development. Continued government efforts are aimed at creating a more prosperous future for all Nigerians.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
