Tinubu rejects bishops' assessment of Nigeria's economy and security

President Bola Tinubu has rejected an assessment by Nigeria's Catholic Bishops' Conference regarding the country's economic performance and security situation, according to Archbishop Emeritus John Onaiyekan of the Abuja Archdiocese. The disagreement surfaced following a meeting between Tinubu and the bishops on July 28 at the State House in Abuja.

During the encounter, church leaders presented what they characterized as an honest evaluation of conditions facing ordinary Nigerians, citing widespread hardship and insecurity. Onaiyekan disclosed the contents of the meeting during a television interview on Friday on Arise News, explaining that the bishops felt obligated to convey ground realities rather than rely on reports filtered through official channels.

Onaiyekan indicated that Tinubu's response contradicted the bishops' position. The President maintained that his administration has achieved progress, even as the religious leaders stressed that the nation faces severe challenges.

The archbishop suggested that those advising the President may not be communicating the full picture of conditions across Nigeria. The encounter represents a rare public disagreement between the Catholic hierarchy and the sitting administration over national conditions.

While the sources do not specify which particular economic policies or security measures formed the basis of the dispute, Onaiyekan's comments indicate the bishops pressed for acknowledgment of citizen suffering in both economic and safety domains. Tinubu's administration has implemented major economic reforms since taking office in 2023, including fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation.