Catholic Bishops’ Emergency Visit To Tinubu: A Response To His Alarming Assessment OF Nigeria’s State

This meeting follows recent concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) regarding the ongoing hardship in the country and the escalating insecurity affecting various regions. During the 2025 First Plenary Meeting of the CBCN at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) in Abuja, the Church lamented that many families are unable to afford three meals a day due to rising food inflation, which has driven many Nigerians into poverty.

In addition to the economic hardships, the CBCN expressed grave concern over the daily abductions, torture, and killings occurring across the country, particularly with many of its own priests being kidnapped and killed. The Church urged the government to take immediate action to protect its citizens.

The Bishops also highlighted the despair felt by the country’s youth, who are increasingly turning to desperate measures in search of a better future. They called on the government to focus on job creation and vocational training programs to engage the youth and curb their disillusionment.

In response, however, the presidency swiftly disagreed with the CBCN’s assessment of Nigeria’s current state and economic outlook. A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, emphasized that, contrary to the Bishops’ concerns, Nigeria is progressing in the right direction under the leadership of the current administration.