The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, says the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to strengthening collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), other faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, civil society groups and the private sector to address the country’s pressing challenges. He said sustained dialogue with key stakeholders remains essential for promoting peace, national unity and development.

‎In a statement issued following the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Akume said the Federal Government welcomed constructive engagement with religious institutions and would continue consultations on issues affecting Nigerians. He described faith-based organisations as indispensable partners in advancing the national interest.

The SGF reaffirmed the government’s respect for the Catholic Church, acknowledging its contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral guidance. He noted that discussions between the President and the bishops were candid and respectful, covering security, economic hardship, education, public services, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.

According to Akume, both sides recognised progress recorded by the administration, including the student loan programme and recent successes by security agencies in securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers. He added that differences in opinion should not be interpreted as a breakdown in mutual respect or shared commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress.

On the economy, Akume acknowledged the hardship faced by many Nigerians but described it as temporary, insisting that ongoing reforms were necessary to correct structural challenges and place the economy on a sustainable growth path. He cited investments in transport infrastructure, agriculture, electricity, healthcare and regional development commissions, alongside programmes such as NELFUND, the Credit Corps, Conditional Cash Transfers and business support initiatives, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving citizens’ welfare.

‎The SGF maintained that recent economic indicators showed signs of improvement, including greater stability in the foreign exchange market, easing inflationary pressures and renewed investor confidence. He added that the next phase of the reforms would focus on reducing the cost of living, creating jobs, improving public services and expanding economic opportunities across the country.

Addressing security, Akume said the government was strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through reforms in intelligence, logistics, recruitment, technology and personnel welfare. He 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, as part of efforts to improve national security and combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

‎On democracy, the SGF dismissed suggestions that the Tinubu administration was pursuing a one-party state, stressing that the government remained committed to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and multiparty politics. He reaffirmed the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and pledged continued support for the commission to conduct credible elections in line with its constitutional mandate.

‎Akume assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to welcome constructive advice from the Catholic Church and other national institutions, even where views differed on policy issues. He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between government, religious bodies and other stakeholders would strengthen national unity and help build a more peaceful, prosperous and resilient Nigeria.