The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and other stakeholders to address the country’s challenges, while dismissing claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is pursuing a one-party state.
In a statement on Wednesday following the recent engagement between President Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the administration believed national challenges could only be addressed through sustained collaboration with faith groups, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens.
According to the press release, Akume said government would continue consultations with the Catholic Bishops and other faith-based organisations, stressing that constructive engagement remained central to national development.
He said: “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. Constructive engagement between Government and these institutions is therefore not only welcome but essential.”
Akume added: “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.”
The SGF said the Federal Government had noted public reactions to the meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops and reaffirmed its respect for the Catholic Church, describing it as one of Nigeria’s foremost development partners through its contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral guidance.
He said discussions between the President and the Bishops were candid and constructive, covering issues including security, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.
According to Akume, both sides acknowledged progress recorded under the administration, including the student loan programme and recent security operations that secured the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
On the economy, Akume acknowledged the hardship facing many Nigerians but described it as temporary, saying government reforms were designed to correct structural weaknesses and place the economy on a sustainable path.
He said there was growing evidence that the reforms were delivering results through a more stable foreign exchange market, moderating inflation and improving investor confidence.
The SGF said the administration was also implementing food security initiatives, expanding electricity generation, upgrading health facilities, creating jobs through regional development commissions and supporting businesses through programmes such as NELFUND, the Credit Corps and Conditional Cash Transfers.
Addressing security, Akume said government recognised that citizens’ safety remained the true measure of its policies and disclosed that efforts were ongoing to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
He said the establishment of four new Army divisions in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states, alongside reforms in intelligence, recruitment, logistics and personnel welfare, reflected the administration’s commitment to improving security.
Akume also rejected suggestions that the government was working towards a one-party state.
He said the Tinubu administration remained committed to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and political pluralism.
“The Federal Government neither sought nor supported a one-party state,” he said, adding that the administration respected the legal independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and would continue to provide resources required for the commission to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
The SGF said government would continue to welcome sincere advice from respected national institutions, noting that differences in opinion should not undermine the shared objective of building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“Our diversity is our source of strength. In spite of many, we are one people,” Akume said. He expressed confidence that continued collaboration between government and the Catholic Church would help build a stronger and more resilient Nigeria capable of delivering greater opportunities for future generations.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
