The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustained engagement with faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens, saying many of Nigeria’s pressing challenges can only be effectively addressed through broad-based collaboration.
Akume stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes constructive partnership with religious and civic institutions is essential for promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion and advancing national development.
In a statement personally signed by the SGF following the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Akume said the government would continue to deepen consultations with the Catholic Church and other stakeholders on issues affecting the country.
He stressed that the Tinubu administration remains open to honest counsel and is committed to governing with openness, accountability and evidence-based policies.
According to him, the Federal Government is also sustaining dialogue and conflict prevention efforts through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), which he described as an important platform for fostering national harmony.
“Many of the challenges confronting our nation require partnership,” Akume said. “Faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens all have indispensable roles to play in promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion and advancing national development. Constructive engagement between government and these institutions is therefore not only welcome but essential.”
He added that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would continue consultations with the leadership of the CBCN, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on the issues raised during the meeting and on areas where greater collaboration could advance the national interest.
Akume said the government had taken note of public reactions to the meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic bishops and used the opportunity to reaffirm its respect for the Catholic Church and its longstanding contributions to Nigeria through education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral guidance.
“The Federal Government recognises the Catholic Church as one of Nigeria’s most important development partners,” he said. “Like all faith communities, it has both the right and the responsibility to speak on issues affecting the welfare of citizens and the future of the country.”
The SGF explained that the discussions between the President and the bishops were candid, respectful and constructive. He said the meeting covered concerns relating to security, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.
According to him, both sides also acknowledged areas where progress had been recorded, including the student loan programme and recent successes by security agencies in securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
Akume noted that although there were areas of agreement and differences in assessment, such differences should not be interpreted as a breakdown in mutual respect.
On the economy, the SGF acknowledged that many Nigerians are experiencing hardship but described the situation as a difficult phase that the government is working to overcome through structural reforms and targeted investments.
He cited ongoing investments in rail transportation, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, road construction and rehabilitation projects across the country and the expansion of Abuja’s road network as evidence of government efforts to improve infrastructure and stimulate economic activity.
Akume also highlighted food security initiatives involving improved agricultural inputs, tractors and support through the National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA) to boost agricultural productivity.
In the energy sector, he said the administration is pursuing improvements in electricity generation and distribution through CNG power projects and constitutional reforms that allow sub-national governments greater participation in electricity generation and distribution.
He added that health facilities at both primary and tertiary levels are being upgraded, while newly established regional development commissions are creating jobs and addressing peculiar developmental needs.
The SGF defended the administration’s economic reforms, describing them as difficult but necessary measures aimed at correcting long-standing structural weaknesses, restoring macroeconomic stability, rebuilding investor confidence and placing the economy on a sustainable path.
According to him, there is growing evidence that the reforms are beginning to yield results, including greater stability in the foreign exchange market, moderation in inflationary pressures and renewed investor confidence.
Akume said official data indicate continued economic growth, moderation in headline inflation and easing food-price pressures, while emphasising the need to sustain reforms and intensify targeted interventions to reduce living costs and expand economic opportunities.
He listed the Social Investment Programmes, Credit Corps, NELFUND, support for business start-ups and Conditional Cash Transfers as initiatives designed to ensure that the benefits of economic reforms reach ordinary households.
The SGF also commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for carrying out its statutory responsibility for monetary and price stability with professionalism and institutional independence.
On security, Akume acknowledged that the true measure of government policy is the safety experienced by citizens in their homes, farms, schools, markets, places of worship and on highways.
He said every life lost to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes is regrettable and assured that the government is expanding and strengthening the country’s security architecture.
He cited the creation of four new Army divisions headquartered in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states as a major step toward improving operational effectiveness and noted that President Tinubu has authorised reforms in intelligence coordination, logistics, recruitment, technology and personnel welfare.
Akume said the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security further demonstrates the administration’s commitment to strengthening domestic security.
Addressing concerns about democracy, the SGF firmly rejected suggestions that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a one-party state.
He said Nigeria remains committed to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and equal rights for all citizens irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
According to him, the registration of 21 political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demonstrates the continued existence of political pluralism.
“The Federal Government neither seeks nor supports a one-party state,” Akume stated. “President Tinubu’s administration remains deeply respectful of the legal autonomy and independence of INEC.”
He added that the government would continue to provide all resources lawfully appropriated for INEC’s operations and maintained that security agencies have conducted themselves professionally during elections under the scrutiny of domestic and international observers.
Akume concluded by saying the Federal Government would continue to welcome sincere advice from respected national institutions, insisting that no responsible government should ignore the concerns of its people.
While acknowledging that government and the Catholic Church may not always share identical views on every policy, he said both remain united by a common aspiration to ensure that every Nigerian lives in peace, dignity and hope.
“Our diversity is our source of strength,” he said. “In spite of our differences, we remain one people, and through continued collaboration between government and the Church, we can build a stronger, more resilient Nigeria for future generations.”
