President Muhammadu Buhari says the gains recorded in security will be further consolidated, and more attention will be given to the economy before handing over on May 29, noting that Nigeria can get loans from foreign countries and institutions because his regime is credible.

The president stated this when he received the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) executive members at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Mr Buhari noted that the security situation had improved over the years, particularly in the North-East, where the focus had shifted to rebuilding infrastructure and re-orientation on education.

“I am very grateful for your visit to the Presidential Villa, and I agree with you on some of the observations you have made. The question of insecurity is most important to us because unless a country or institution is at peace, it will be difficult to manage,” stated the president. “I just came back from Adamawa and Yobe states. During the visit to both states, I listened carefully to what the people and officials had to say. And they all said the situation had improved since 2015, especially in Borno.”

He added, “Boko Haram was just fraudulent and a plot to destroy Nigeria. You can’t say people should not learn; the people need to grow intellectually.”

Mr Buhari told the Catholic bishops that the government would continue rebuilding infrastructure in parts of the country affected by terrorist attacks while underscoring that terrorists have no control over any space in Nigeria.

“Some people have acknowledged the difference,’’ he added.

The president said creditors had full confidence in Nigeria, with the capacity to utilise resources and repay loans before the approvals were granted.

“We are credible. That’s why the countries and institutions agreed to support our development with the loans,’’ stated Mr Buhari.

Mr Buhari said the destruction of oil facilities slowed the generation of revenues and that his regime would be harder on saboteurs.

“If you look at the economy, we are trying hard to rely more on ourselves. Nigerians rely more on agriculture for livelihood, and we are putting in our best to enable more people and diversify,’’ the president said.

(NAN)