President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with a delegation from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday. The delegation was led by CBCN President and Catholic Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, alongside prominent figures such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Bishop Emeritus of Abuja Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onayikan.

The meeting came in the wake of Nigeria’s recent designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by the United States, highlighting concerns over the safety of Christians in the country. This designation has drawn attention to ongoing issues related to religious freedom and violence against Christians, echoing past criticisms from international leaders.

At its first plenary meeting of 2025, the CBCN expressed discontent with the state of Nigeria’s economy and governance. Archbishop Ugorji pointed out critical issues such as youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud, urging immediate action from national leaders to prevent further decline.

In response, the Presidency in a statement said: “President Bola Tinubu deeply appreciates the constant interventions of the Catholic Bishops in matters of governance in our country. The Conference of Catholic Bishops’ patriotic fervour and commitment to national unity, peace, and stability are unassailable and deeply valued and respected by the government.”

The presidency also acknowledged that some of the governance challenges in the areas as highlighted by the bishops remained but also said that it was important to state categorically that the country has made tremendous progress in all areas since President Tinubu assumed office about 22 months ago.

It said: “In terms of insecurity, Nigeria is more secure today than it was in 2023, thanks to our military and other security agencies and the strong leadership provided by President Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief.

“In the last two years, over 8000 criminals – bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers – have been eliminated, and over 10,000 Nigerians – primarily women and children have been rescued from their abductors.

“As a result of improved security in our communities, especially in the North-West and the North-East, farmers have returned to their farms, and our country has seen increased food production, which is currently driving down prices of essential commodities.