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The President received the Catholic Bishop's Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja on Friday, March 14, 2025. Photo: X @DOlusegun
President Bola Tinubu has assured the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria that he understands the hardship Nigerians are facing but insists ongoing economic reforms are necessary to build a stronger nation.
Speaking when he received the bishops in Abuja on Friday, Tinubu defended the removal of fuel subsidies, stating that it was a difficult but unavoidable decision to prevent the country from going bankrupt.
“Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for me, but it’s a hard choice that Nigeria must face. We are not going to bankrupt our country.
“We were spending the investment of the future of our children yet unborn; We were spending their rights, and poverty has no religious basis. There’s no religious colouration, no identity. It affects all, and we must fight it together,” Tinubu said.
He also highlighted his administration’s tax reforms, describing them as an opportunity for citizens to invest in the country’s development.
On security, the President noted that his government was making progress in tackling insecurity, stressing that both Christians and Muslims were affected.
He reiterated his commitment to religious tolerance, citing his wife’s role as a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
The President said, “This insecurity, everyone is affected, Christians, Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor of Redeemed Christian Church. But we have to think of our country; this country must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry. And I’m here open to you, ready to listen.
“We’ve been together for some time. We have an open-door policy. I will not shut my door.”
Addressing the bishops’ request for the return of mission schools previously taken over by the government, Tinubu explained that such decisions were under the jurisdiction of state governments but noted that he had returned mission schools while serving as governor of Lagos State.
The bishops, led by CBCN President and Archbishop of Owerri, Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, congratulated Tinubu on his election and acknowledged the challenges posed by his economic policies. They called for more efforts to restore public confidence, improve security, and ensure religious harmony.
“Your government’s policy mantra is anchored on the principles of Renewed Hope. In this regard, we are pleased to inform you that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has declared this year as the year of hope, the Jubilee Year of Hope, a theme we adopted for our conference. We came with the final fruits of our deliberations and will share them with you,” Ugorji said.
They also urged the government to stop funding religious pilgrimages, arguing that public funds should be redirected to pressing national needs.
“The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organising pilgrimages. In their current structure, the national and state pilgrims’ boards serve neither their adherents nor the broader interest of the nation. You’re undoubtedly aware of the instances of corruption that have led to the removal of some board executives to ensure greater efficiency and accountability,” Ugorji stated.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
