The Federal Government has pledged to deepen its collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and other key stakeholders to address the nation’s security, economic, and governance challenges.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the President Bola Tinubu administration believes that lasting solutions to Nigeria’s struggles require sustained partnerships across all sectors of society.
“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 said.
The SGF noted that the government would continue its consultations with the Catholic Bishops following President Tinubu’s recent meeting with the clergy, which he described as “candid, respectful, and constructive.”
Addressing political concerns, Akume reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to democratic principles, dismissing fears of a slide toward autocracy.
“The Federal Government neither seeks nor supports a one-party state. We remain fully committed to constitutional democracy, political pluralism, and the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” he stated.
On the economy, the SGF acknowledged the current hardships facing many Nigerians but described them as temporary side effects of necessary reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, attracting investment, and creating jobs.
“There is growing evidence that the reforms are yielding results, with the foreign exchange market becoming more stable, inflationary pressures moderating, and investor confidence returning,” Akume said.
To tackle insecurity, Akume highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s defense architecture, including the establishment of new Army divisions, improved intelligence coordination, and increased investment in security personnel and equipment.
He concluded by welcoming constructive criticism from national institutions, emphasizing that the government and the Catholic Church share the same ultimate goals for the country.
“Although the government and the Catholic Church may not always share identical views on every policy, we remain united by the common aspiration that every Nigerian should live in peace, dignity, and hope,” Akume said.
