President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration has stabilised Nigeria and rescued the economy from the brink of bankruptcy, saying ongoing reforms are beginning to yield positive results.

Speaking on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu said his government inherited severe economic challenges but had restored stability and laid the foundation for future prosperity.

“I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered,” the President said, adding that the uncertainty and fears of bankruptcy that greeted the start of his administration had been overcome.

According to Tinubu, the government will continue programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), while prioritising education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition to reduce poverty.

The President also said his administration was restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture through enhanced intelligence gathering, better logistics, expanded military capacity and improved welfare for security personnel. He disclosed that he had approved the expansion of the armed forces, including the acquisition of more equipment and the construction of new barracks, expressing confidence that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping would be defeated.

On education, Tinubu highlighted the absence of prolonged industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), noting that university academic calendars had become more stable. He added that the approval of more universities would help meet rising demand for higher education, while data from the National Universities Commission would support planning for NELFUND.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Tinubu insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remained neutral and would provide equal opportunities for all political parties. He dismissed claims that his administration was intimidating opposition figures, saying political opponents were “crying wolf”.

The President also reiterated his support for the return of mission schools, noting that he restored such schools during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, while emphasising that state governors have constitutional authority over the matter.

Earlier, CBCN President Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso acknowledged the government’s reception of the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations during the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.

Ndagoso, however, urged the Federal Government to address persistent concerns over insecurity, poverty, access to quality tertiary education, credible elections and the possible return of mission schools. He also called on Tinubu to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure free and fair elections in 2027.