The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, says President Bola Tinubu’s administration will deepen engagement with the Catholic Bishops‘ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), faith-based organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to tackle Nigeria’s security, economic and social challenges.
Akume disclosed this in a personally signed statement, responding to reactions that followed Tinubu’s recent meeting with CBCN leadership.
He dismissed claims that the administration was steering the country toward a one-party state, insisting the government remains committed to multi-party democracy and credible elections.
“The Federal Government neither seeks nor supports a one-party state,” Akume said, adding that the administration remains “deeply respectful of the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, in the spirit of true democracy.”
He said the Federal Government welcomes constructive criticism and will keep governing through dialogue, accountability and evidence-based policies.
According to Akume, his office will continue consultations with the Catholic Bishops, other religious bodies and relevant stakeholders to build consensus on national issues.
He said faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens all have critical roles to play in promoting peace, cohesion and development.
“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,” he said. “Constructive engagement between government and these institutions is therefore not only welcome but essential.”
Akume described the Catholic Church as one of Nigeria’s major development partners, pointing to its contributions in education, healthcare, humanitarian intervention, peacebuilding and moral leadership.
He said the meeting between Tinubu and the bishops was frank and constructive, touching on insecurity, economic hardship, education, public services, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.
Both sides, he added, acknowledged progress made by the administration, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and recent security operations that led to the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
On the economy, Akume admitted many Nigerians are struggling but described the hardship as a temporary phase tied to reforms meant to fix long-standing structural problems.
“The reforms were difficult but necessary measures aimed at correcting long-standing structural weaknesses, restoring macroeconomic stability, rebuilding investor confidence and placing the economy on a sustainable path,” he said.
He listed ongoing projects — the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, nationwide road rehabilitation, agricultural support schemes, electricity reforms and expanded social intervention programmes — as part of efforts to raise living standards.
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