FG Seeks Stronger Partnership With Catholic Bishops, Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy and Reforms

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and other faith-based organisations, saying sustained dialogue with religious leaders and other critical stakeholders is essential to addressing the country’s security, economic and governance challenges.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the position known in a statement issued on Wednesday following the recent engagement between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Akume said the Tinubu administration values the contributions of religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the private sector and ordinary citizens, stressing that lasting peace, social cohesion and national development can only be achieved through inclusive partnerships and continuous consultations.

According to him, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will sustain engagements with the Catholic Bishops, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders to address issues raised during the meeting and explore areas of collaboration that advance the national interest.

The SGF noted that discussions between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops were frank, respectful and constructive, covering key national issues including insecurity, economic hardship, education, healthcare, electoral integrity, religious freedom and political pluralism.

He said while government and the bishops may not share identical views on every issue, both sides remain committed to promoting peace, unity and the welfare of Nigerians.

Akume acknowledged that many Nigerians are facing economic hardship but described the situation as temporary, insisting that the administration’s reforms were necessary to correct long-standing structural problems in the economy.

He said government policies are aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, rebuilding investor confidence and creating sustainable economic growth through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, transportation, healthcare and energy.

Among the projects highlighted were the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, nationwide road rehabilitation, agricultural support programmes coordinated by the National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA), improved electricity generation, and ongoing upgrades to healthcare facilities.

The SGF also cited programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Conditional Cash Transfers, the Credit Corps initiative and support for small businesses as part of efforts to cushion the effects of economic reforms on Nigerians.

According to Akume, recent improvements in the foreign exchange market, easing inflationary pressures and growing investor confidence indicate that the reforms are beginning to yield positive results, although he acknowledged that more work remains to ensure ordinary Nigerians feel the benefits.

On security, the SGF admitted that protecting lives and property remains the government’s foremost responsibility, noting that every life lost to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent crime is deeply regrettable.

He said the administration has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through reforms in intelligence gathering, logistics, recruitment, technology and personnel welfare.

Akume also highlighted the creation of four new Nigerian Army divisions in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states, alongside the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security, as part of measures to improve security operations nationwide.

He further pointed to recent successes by security agencies, including the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers, as evidence that the government’s security strategies are producing encouraging results.

Responding to concerns about Nigeria’s political direction, Akume dismissed suggestions that the Tinubu administration is working towards establishing a one-party state.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and multiparty politics, stressing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains an autonomous institution whose independence will continue to be respected.

The SGF noted that INEC’s registration of 21 political parties demonstrates that Nigeria’s democratic space remains open and competitive, adding that the Federal Government will continue to provide the commission with the resources required to conduct credible elections.

Akume said the Federal Government welcomes constructive criticism and sincere advice from respected national institutions, including the Catholic Church, describing such engagement as vital to good governance.

He praised the Catholic Church for its longstanding contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral leadership across Nigeria.

According to him, although government and religious institutions may occasionally differ in their assessment of national issues, both share a common objective of building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.

He expressed confidence that continued collaboration between government, faith communities and other stakeholders would strengthen national unity and help create greater opportunities for future generations of Nigerians.

“Our diversity is our source of strength. In spite of many, we are one people,” Akume said, reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, democratic values and sustainable national development.