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The Federal Government has expressed willingness to strengthen its partnership with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), other faith-based organisations and key stakeholders to address the country’s security, economic and social challenges.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said sustained engagement with religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens was essential to promoting peace, social cohesion and national development.
Akume stated this in a statement issued on Thursday following the recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
According to the SGF, the Tinubu administration would continue consultations with the Catholic Church and other stakeholders, maintaining that government remained open to constructive criticism, honest counsel and evidence-based policy recommendations.
He said faith communities had important roles to play in strengthening national unity and addressing challenges confronting the country.
“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,” Akume stated.
The SGF said the meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops was candid, respectful and constructive, with discussions covering security, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.
He acknowledged that while the government and the Church might differ in their assessment of some issues, such differences should not be interpreted as a breakdown in their relationship or shared commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
Akume also defended the administration’s economic reforms, describing them as difficult but necessary measures aimed at correcting structural weaknesses, restoring macroeconomic stability and rebuilding investor confidence.
He acknowledged the hardship faced by many Nigerians but said government interventions, including social investment programmes, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), credit initiatives, conditional cash transfers and support for businesses, were designed to cushion the impact of the reforms.
The SGF highlighted ongoing infrastructure and development initiatives, including road projects, rail investments, agricultural programmes, improvements in electricity generation and distribution, and upgrades to healthcare facilities.
On security, Akume said the Federal Government remained committed to improving the safety of Nigerians, admitting that every life lost to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes remained regrettable.
He cited the creation of four additional Army divisions headquartered in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states as part of efforts to strengthen military response capacity, while noting ongoing reforms in intelligence coordination, logistics, technology and personnel welfare.
Akume also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to democracy, constitutional governance and political pluralism.
He dismissed concerns that the government was working towards a one-party state, citing the registration of 21 political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as evidence, in his view, of Nigeria’s continuing multi-party system.
According to him, the Federal Government respects INEC’s legal independence and would continue to provide resources lawfully appropriated for the commission’s activities.
He assured that the administration would continue to welcome constructive advice from respected national institutions, adding that government and the Catholic Church remained united by the common goal of ensuring peace, dignity and prosperity for Nigerians.
“Our diversity is our source of strength. In spite of many, we are one people,” Akume said.
Religious institutions, particularly the Catholic Church, have historically played significant roles in Nigeria’s education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and advocacy on national issues.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has also frequently expressed views on matters affecting governance, security, the economy, democracy and the welfare of citizens.
The latest engagement comes amid continuing concerns among faith leaders and civil society groups over economic hardship, insecurity and public confidence in democratic institutions.
The Tinubu administration has maintained that its reforms are intended to address long-standing structural challenges and has repeatedly said it remains committed to dialogue, constitutional democracy and inclusive governance.
