The Presidency has carpeted the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria over its comments on the nation’s economy and others sectors.
The Catholic Bishops made their position public after their 2025 First Plenary Meeting at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja on Sunday.
The Bishops, who spoke through their President and Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, on the economy and several other issues, including security and unemployment, said: “While we recognise the government’s efforts in implementing certain reforms, the reality remains that most Nigerians are struggling more than ever before.
“Food inflation has hit 39.84 percent, making it nearly impossible for families to afford three meals a day.
“The statistics are alarming, 129 million Nigerians are now living in multidimensional poverty. Palliatives and temporary relief programmes are not enough.
“We need sustainable solutions that address the root causes of economic hardship.”
But on Monday, the Presidency said the Nigerian economy was moving in the right direction under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the conference “gave an alarming prognosis of the state of the economy and the polity that sounded more like snippets from an outdated book.
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“In his opening address, CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru, listed youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud as some of the ills plaguing the country.
“He demanded quick action from leaders nationwide to stop the country from drifting.
“The Conference of Catholic Bishops’ patriotic fervour and commitment to national unity, peace, and stability are unassailable and deeply valued and respected by the government.
“While some of the governance challenges in the areas highlighted by the Bishops remain, it is important to state categorically that our country has made tremendous progress in all areas since Tinubu assumed office 22 months ago.
“In terms of insecurity, Nigeria is more secure today than it was in 2023, thanks to our military and other security agencies and the strong leadership provided by President Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief.”
According to Onanuga, in the last two years, over 8,000 criminals – bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers – have been eliminated, and over 10,000 Nigerians – primarily women and children — have been rescued from their abductors.
He added: “As a result of improved security in our communities, especially in the North-West and the North-East, farmers have returned to their farms, and our country has seen increased food production, which is currently driving down prices of essential commodities.
“Farmers in Kaduna, Kebbi and Jigawa are eloquent testimonies of the improved security ambience.
“Similarly, farmers growing cash crops in many parts of the country are experiencing a new life of boom and prosperity.”
On the economy, Onanuga said Tinubu’s administration had stabilised the economy from the precarious situation it inherited on assumption of office.
He said: “Our balance of trade has improved, foreign reserves are in a stronger position, inflation has moderated, our currency is gaining strength against convertible currencies.
“Our 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.”
Onanuga said that more than ever, the country had increased revenue collection and was mobilising more local revenue to fund critical development priorities.
He added: “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.”
He said that last week, Chatham House, a United Kingdom International Affairs policy think tank, praised President Tinubu’s team’s economic management.
He said: “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 to 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.”
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