The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, other faith-based organisations and key stakeholders to address issues affecting the country.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Akume said collaboration between government, religious bodies, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens is essential for promoting peace, national unity and sustainable development.
He said the government would continue consultations with the Catholic Bishops and other relevant groups while strengthening dialogue and conflict prevention through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
“Many of the challenges confronting our nation require partnership. 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 said.
Akume added that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would continue engaging with the Catholic Bishops and other stakeholders on issues raised during their recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, as well as other areas where collaboration could advance the national interest.
The SGF said the Federal Government had taken note of public reactions following the meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops, stressing that the Catholic Church remains one of Nigeria’s most important development partners because of its contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral guidance.
According to him, the discussions between the President and the bishops were open, respectful and constructive, covering issues such as security, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.
He noted that both sides also acknowledged some of the administration’s achievements, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and recent successes by security agencies in rescuing abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
Akume said differences of opinion expressed during the meeting should not be seen as a breakdown in the relationship between the government and the Church, adding that both remain committed to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress.
On the economy, the SGF admitted that many Nigerians were facing hardship but described the situation as temporary. He explained that the administration’s reforms were aimed at addressing long-standing structural challenges through investments in infrastructure, including rail transport, the Sokoto–Badagry and Lagos–Calabar superhighways, road construction and rehabilitation across the country, as well as the ongoing expansion of Abuja’s road network.
He also highlighted government efforts to improve food security through the provision of tractors, better agricultural inputs and institutional support under the National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA).
Akume further said the government had recorded progress in electricity generation and distribution through compressed natural gas (CNG) power projects and reforms that allow greater participation of state governments in the energy sector.
He added that the administration was upgrading healthcare facilities, establishing regional development commissions to promote inclusive growth and job creation, and carrying out recruitment across ministries, departments and agencies.
Defending the administration’s economic reforms, Akume described them as difficult but necessary measures designed to stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence and place Nigeria on a more sustainable growth path.
According to him, there are already signs of improvement, including a more stable foreign exchange market, easing inflation, stronger macroeconomic indicators and renewed investor confidence.
He said government data also showed continued economic growth, slower inflation and declining food prices, adding that reforms would be sustained alongside targeted interventions to reduce the cost of living and create more economic opportunities.
The SGF listed programmes such as the Social Investment Programme, Credit Corps, NELFUND, support for small businesses and Conditional Cash Transfers as evidence of efforts to ensure that the benefits of the reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.
He also praised the Central Bank of Nigeria for carrying out its responsibility of maintaining monetary and price stability with professionalism and independence.
Akume said the next phase of the administration’s reforms would focus on translating economic stability into lower inflation, more affordable food, quality jobs, stronger public services, improved infrastructure and expanded opportunities for citizens.
On security, he said the government remained committed to protecting lives and property, describing every life lost to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes as deeply regrettable.
He pointed to the creation of four new Army divisions in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states as part of efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Army, adding that President Tinubu had also approved reforms in intelligence gathering, logistics, recruitment, technology and personnel welfare.
Akume said the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security further demonstrated the administration’s determination to improve domestic security.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to democracy, the SGF said Nigeria’s political system guarantees genuine competition, lawful opposition, credible elections and citizens’ right to participate freely in politics.
He cited INEC’s registration of 21 political parties as proof that the Federal Government does not support a one-party state, adding that the Tinubu administration would continue to respect the electoral commission’s independence and provide it with all resources legally approved for its operations.
He concluded by saying the Federal Government would always welcome sincere advice from respected national institutions because no responsible government can afford to ignore the concerns of its people.
