The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and other stakeholders to tackle the country’s challenges, while dismissing claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is pursuing a one-party state.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume on Wednesday, after the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops, the government said national development requires sustained collaboration 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, ” he said.
Akume said the Office of the SGF would continue consultations with the Catholic Bishops and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation on issues affecting the country.
He described the Catholic Church as one of Nigeria’s foremost development partners, noting its contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral guidance.
According to him, discussions between President Tinubu and the bishops were candid and focused on security, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.
The SGF said both parties acknowledged progress made by the administration, including the student loan scheme and recent security operations that secured the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
On the economy, Akume admitted that many Nigerians were facing hardship but insisted the challenges were temporary, adding that ongoing reforms were aimed at fixing long-standing structural problems.
He said there were encouraging signs of improvement through a more stable foreign exchange market, easing inflation and growing investor confidence.
Akume added that the government was implementing food security programmes, expanding electricity generation, upgrading health facilities, creating jobs through regional development commissions and supporting businesses through initiatives such as NELFUND, the Credit Corps and Conditional Cash Transfers.
Addressing security, he said the administration was strengthening the nation’s security architecture with the establishment of four new Army divisions in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states, alongside reforms in intelligence gathering, recruitment, logistics and personnel welfare.
The SGF also rejected allegations that the Tinubu administration was working towards a one-party state.
“The Federal Government neither sought nor supported a one-party state, ” he said.
He stressed that the administration remained committed to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and political pluralism, while respecting the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Akume assured Nigerians that government would continue to welcome constructive advice from national institutions, stressing that unity and collaboration remain essential to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“Our diversity is our source of strength. In spite of many, we are one people, ” he said
