The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with religious organisations, particularly the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), to promote national unity, peace and sustainable development.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the Tinubu administration remains committed to democratic governance, political pluralism and credible elections, dismissing suggestions that the government is pursuing a one-party state.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Akume stressed that Nigeria’s challenges require stronger collaboration among government, faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens.
He said constructive engagement with religious bodies is vital to strengthening social cohesion, promoting peace and advancing national development.
“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 issues raised during the meeting and on areas where greater collaboration can advance the national interest,” the statement said.
The SGF made the remarks following public reactions to the recent meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Catholic bishops.
According to him, discussions during the meeting were frank, respectful and focused on critical national issues, including security, economic hardship, education, public service delivery, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.
Akume acknowledged the Catholic Church’s longstanding contributions to Nigeria through education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral development, describing it as one of the country’s foremost development partners.
He noted that while differences of opinion emerged during the discussions, they should not be interpreted as a breakdown in relations or detract from the shared commitment of both the government and the Church to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress.
On the economy, the SGF admitted that many Nigerians are facing hardship but described the situation as temporary, insisting that ongoing reforms are designed to correct structural imbalances, restore macroeconomic stability and attract investment.
He highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, nationwide road rehabilitation and improvements to Abuja’s road network, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to economic growth.
Akume also pointed to government interventions in agriculture through the National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA), expanded electricity generation and distribution, upgrades to healthcare facilities, the establishment of regional development commissions and ongoing recruitment across ministries, departments and agencies.
Defending the administration’s economic policies, he said there were signs that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing improved foreign exchange stability, moderating inflation, easing food prices and renewed investor confidence.
He added that programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Social Investment Programme, Credit Corps, Conditional Cash Transfers and support for business start-ups were designed to ensure that the benefits of the reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.
On security, Akume said the government continues to strengthen the nation’s security architecture through reforms in intelligence, logistics, recruitment, technology and personnel welfare.
He cited the creation of four new Army divisions in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states, alongside the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security, as part of efforts to improve the country’s security response.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to democracy, the SGF said Nigeria remains committed to multi-party democracy, lawful political opposition and credible elections.
He pointed to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) registration of 21 political parties as proof that the Federal Government neither seeks nor supports a one-party state.
Akume assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration would continue to respect INEC’s constitutional independence, provide the commission with the resources required to carry out its mandate and welcome constructive criticism from national institutions in the interest of good governance.
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