Tinubu: Fuel Subsidy Removal Was Difficult but Necessary for Nigeria’s Future

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that while the removal of fuel subsidies was a tough decision, it was essential to prevent Nigeria from financial collapse and secure the future of its children.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, when he received the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Tinubu acknowledged the economic hardship Nigerians are facing but maintained that the reforms were crucial for long-term stability.

“Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard and challenging for me, but it’s a choice Nigeria must face. We were spending the investment meant for our children’s future, and that was unsustainable. Poverty has no religious or ethnic color—it affects everyone, and we must fight it together.”

Commitment to Education and Security

Tinubu also addressed concerns regarding the return of mission schools to their original owners, clarifying that such institutions were under state governments' control. However, he pointed to his record as Lagos State governor, where he facilitated the return of mission schools to religious organizations.

Additionally, he emphasized his administration’s commitment to education through NELFUND, ensuring that no student drops out due to a lack of funds. He also promised to explore ways to assist students of private institutions currently not covered by the initiative.

On security, the President assured Nigerians that efforts by security agencies were yielding results, with improvements in national stability and a more competitive petroleum sector driving economic recovery.

“There is hope. People are coming in to invest. They are saying good things about Nigeria, and I am proud of that,” he said.

CBCN’s Response: Calls for Religious Unity and Policy Reforms

Leading the CBCN delegation, Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and CBCN President, congratulated Tinubu on his electoral victory and praised the government’s tax reforms and security efforts.

He, however, urged the administration to do more to restore hope and confidence in Nigerians, particularly in tackling economic hardship.

The bishops also called for a clear vision of religion as a tool for national unity, emphasizing that government sponsorship of religious pilgrimages should be discontinued due to past corruption scandals.

“Public funds should be redirected towards pressing national needs. The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organizing pilgrimages.”

Minister of Information: Security Has Improved Significantly

Speaking at the event, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris cited significant progress in national security, particularly in areas previously plagued by violence.

“In 2023, traveling from Abuja to Kaduna was almost impossible. Today, that is no longer the case. Farmers who once struggled to access their farmlands are now seeing improvements. Although challenges remain, the situation is far better than before.”

He also mentioned the upcoming National Value Charter, an initiative introduced in Tinubu’s 2025 New Year message, aimed at reclaiming lost national values and fostering unity.