By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Presidency has dismissed concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) about the state of the nation, asserting that Nigeria is making significant progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
In a statement on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged the bishops’ concerns about insecurity, youth unemployment, poverty, and corruption but insisted that the country is in a far better position than it was before Tinubu took office.
He described the CBCN’s assessment as “an alarming prognosis” that did not reflect the reality of ongoing improvements across sectors.
Onanuga stated that Nigeria is more secure than in 2023, crediting the military and security agencies for the elimination of over 8,000 criminals, including bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers.
He also noted that more than 10,000 Nigerians, mainly women and children, had been rescued from their captors.
He argued that improved security, particularly in the North-West and North-East, has enabled farmers to return to their fields, leading to increased food production and a subsequent drop in prices of essential commodities.
Addressing economic concerns, the Presidency highlighted key indicators of progress, including a stronger balance of trade, growing foreign reserves, and a stabilizing currency.
Onanuga pointed to increased local refining capacity with the Dangote Refinery and NNPCL refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri now operational, as evidence of the administration’s success in reducing dependency on imported fuel.
He also emphasised that Tinubu’s government has rolled out targeted youth employment programs such as 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, all aimed at creating over 10 million jobs.
The statement further noted that revenue collection has seen a sharp increase, allowing the government to fund critical infrastructure projects in roads, power, healthcare, education, and security.
The record N54.9 trillion budget for 2025, Onanuga added, is designed to revitalize the economy and put it on a long-term growth trajectory.
Referencing international recognition, Onanuga cited a recent Chatham House report that described Nigeria’s economy under Tinubu as the most competitive it has been in 25 years due to his reform agenda.
While acknowledging that many Nigerians still face economic hardships, the Presidency assured that the government remains committed to making the necessary decisions to ensure a more prosperous future.
Onanuga reaffirmed Tinubu’s dedication to leading the country toward “a greater and stronger Nigeria,” stressing that the administration is optimistic about the impact of its ongoing reforms.