By Osaretin Osadebamwen
The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria’s most pressing challenges can only be overcome through sustained collaboration with faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector, and ordinary citizens, stressing that constructive engagement is vital for peace, social cohesion, and national development.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, made this known in a comprehensive statement following President Bola Tinubu’s recent meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, reaffirming that the administration remains open to honest counsel and committed to governing with transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policies.
The statement, signed by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, emphasised that the government deeply respects the Catholic Church’s contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, and moral guidance, while also recognising its right and responsibility to speak on issues affecting citizens’ welfare.
Akume noted that discussions between the President and the bishops were candid and constructive, covering security, economic hardship, public services, electoral credibility, political pluralism, and religious freedom.
Both parties acknowledged progress such as the student loan programme and recent security successes in rescuing abducted schoolchildren, even where differences in assessment existed, these should not be seen as a breakdown in mutual respect but rather as part of a shared commitment to Nigeria’s peace and unity.
On the economy, the SGF admitted that many Nigerians are facing hardship, but described it as a temporary phase, insisting that government policies—including massive investments in rail, superhighways, road rehabilitation, and agricultural support through NALDA—are deliberately designed to correct long‑standing structural weaknesses and restore macroeconomic stability.
He argued that early signs of recovery, such as a more stable exchange rate, moderating inflation, and returning investor confidence, justify sustaining the reforms while intensifying targeted welfare interventions like the Social Investment Programmes, Credit Corps, NELFUND, and conditional cash transfers.
Addressing security, Akume acknowledged the pain of every life lost to violence, but highlighted the expansion of Nigeria’s security architecture, including four new Army divisions and the Office of Homeland Security, as proof of the government’s resolve to protect citizens in their homes, farms, schools, and places of worship.
He also firmly rejected any suggestion of a one‑party state, pointing to the registration of 21 political parties by INEC and reiterating the administration’s respect for the commission’s independence and the rule of law.
While government and the Church may not always see eye to eye on every policy, Akume concluded, they are united by the common aspiration that every Nigerian should live in peace, dignity, and hope, adding that Nigeria’s diversity remains its greatest strength and that continued collaboration will build a more resilient nation for future generations
