The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and other key stakeholders as part of efforts to address the country’s socio-economic and security challenges.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the assurance in a statement issued following the recent engagement between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. Akume said the Tinubu administration recognizes the important role of religious institutions, civil society organisations and traditional leaders in promoting national unity, peace and development.
According to the SGF, the Federal Government will continue regular consultations with the Catholic Bishops and other faith-based organisations to address issues affecting Nigerians, noting that constructive dialogue remains essential for effective governance.
“The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will continue consultations with the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on the issues raised during the meeting and on areas where greater collaboration can advance the national interest,” Akume stated.
He explained that discussions between President Tinubu and the Catholic bishops covered several critical national issues, including insecurity, economic hardship, education, healthcare, electoral reforms, public service delivery, religious freedom and political inclusiveness.
Akume noted that while the bishops expressed concerns over prevailing economic and security challenges, both parties acknowledged progress made by the administration in areas such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), social intervention programmes and recent successes by security agencies in rescuing abducted victims.
The SGF stressed that differing opinions between the government and the Catholic Church should not be interpreted as hostility, describing the relationship as one built on mutual respect and shared commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
He further stated that the administration believes national development cannot be achieved by government alone, emphasizing that religious bodies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the private sector and ordinary citizens all have vital roles to play in fostering peace, social cohesion and sustainable development.
On security, Akume highlighted the establishment of four new Army divisions in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states, as well as the creation of the Office of Homeland Security, describing them as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
He also pointed to major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, expanded rail development and road construction across the country, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to economic growth and improved public infrastructure.
The SGF added that programmes such as the Social Investment Programme, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp), Conditional Cash Transfers, support for small businesses and NELFUND are designed to cushion the effects of ongoing economic reforms and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
Akume reiterated that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to democratic governance and political pluralism, noting that the registration of additional political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demonstrates that the government has no intention of turning Nigeria into a one-party state.
He concluded by assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to welcome constructive criticism and sincere advice from respected institutions, insisting that sustained dialogue with stakeholders remains crucial to building a more peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
