RismadarVoice Reporters
August 5, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed its readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), other faith-based organisations and key stakeholders to address the country’s security, economic and social challenges through sustained dialogue and partnership.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, stated this in a statement following the recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
Akume said the Tinubu administration believes that many of Nigeria’s pressing challenges require the collective efforts of faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens.
He assured that the Office of the SGF would continue consultations with the Catholic Bishops and other relevant stakeholders to deepen collaboration on issues affecting national development, stressing that constructive engagement remains essential for promoting peace, social cohesion and good governance.
The SGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s respect for the Catholic Church, describing it as a critical development partner with significant contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral guidance.
According to him, discussions between President Tinubu and the bishops were candid and constructive, covering security, economic hardship, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom, while also acknowledging progress recorded in areas such as the student loan programme and recent security operations that secured the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
On the economy, Akume admitted that many Nigerians were experiencing hardship but maintained that the administration’s reforms were necessary to address long-standing structural challenges and restore macroeconomic stability.
He said government investments in critical infrastructure, including the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry highways, rail transportation, agriculture, power, healthcare and regional development commissions, were aimed at stimulating economic growth and improving citizens’ welfare.
The SGF added that official economic indicators showed improvements in exchange rate stability, moderation in inflation and renewed investor confidence, while programmes such as NELFUND, Credit Corps, Conditional Cash Transfers and other social intervention initiatives were designed to cushion the impact of ongoing reforms.
Addressing security, Akume said the Federal Government was strengthening the nation’s security architecture through the creation of four new Army divisions, reforms in intelligence gathering, logistics, recruitment and personnel welfare, as well as the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security.
He also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and multiparty politics, insisting that the Federal Government neither seeks nor supports a one-party state.
According to him, the registration of 21 political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demonstrates the country’s commitment to political pluralism, while President Tinubu remains committed to respecting the commission’s constitutional independence.
Akume assured Nigerians that the government would continue to welcome constructive criticism and sincere advice from respected national institutions, noting that although government and the Catholic Church might differ on certain policy issues, both remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the country. CNN
