Akume: FG To Strengthen Partnership With Catholic Bishops

The Federal Government has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and other stakeholders to tackle the country’s security, economic and governance challenges.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the Tinubu administration believed lasting solutions to Nigeria’s problems required sustained partnerships with faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens.

“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,” Akume said.

He said the government would continue consultations with the Catholic Bishops and other stakeholders following President Bola Tinubu’s recent meeting with the bishops, describing the engagement as “candid, respectful and constructive.”

Akume reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to constitutional democracy, insisting the Federal Government neither sought nor supported a one-party state.

“The Federal Government neither seeks nor supports a one-party state. We remain fully committed to constitutional democracy, political pluralism and the independence of INEC,” he said.

The SGF acknowledged the economic hardship facing many Nigerians but described it as temporary, saying ongoing reforms were designed to restore macroeconomic stability, attract investment and create jobs.

“There is growing evidence that the reforms are yielding results, with the foreign exchange market becoming more stable, inflationary pressures moderating and investor confidence returning,” he stated.

On security, Akume said the government was strengthening the country’s security architecture through new Army divisions, improved intelligence coordination and increased investment in personnel and equipment.

He maintained that the administration welcomed constructive criticism from national institutions, adding that government and the Catholic Church remained united in their desire for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

“Although government and the Catholic Church may not always share identical views on every policy, we remain united by the common aspiration that every Nigerian should live in peace, dignity and hope,” Akume said.