Says Dialogue, Reforms, and Security Remain Top Priorities of Tinubu Administration_
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to deepen partnership with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, other faith-based bodies, traditional institutions, civil society, and the private sector to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
According to a statement signed by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the SGF, the remarks followed a recent engagement between President Tinubu and the leadership of the CBCN. Akume said sustainable solutions to national issues can only be achieved through “constructive engagement and honest counsel” with all stakeholders.
—“Partnership is Not Optional, It is Essential”—
“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 stated in the release issued by Odunuga.
He disclosed that the Office of the SGF will sustain consultations with the Catholic Bishops and other stakeholders on areas of greater collaboration, including through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, to advance peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
The statement also noted that the SGF reaffirmed government’s profound respect for the Catholic Church, acknowledging its contributions to national development in education, healthcare, humanitarian services, and moral leadership.
—On Economy: “Hardship is a Passing Phase”—
Akume acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians but insisted they are temporary. He said the administration’s reforms are designed to correct structural weaknesses and restore stability.
Per the statement by Odunuga, key interventions listed include:
– Infrastructure: Investments in rail, Sokoto-Badagry and Lagos-Calabar superhighways, and rehabilitation of roads nationwide including Abuja’s road network.
– Food Security: Provision of agricultural inputs, tractors, and support through NALDA to boost productivity.
– Energy: Upgrades in electricity generation and distribution, including CNG power stations, and constitutional reforms allowing states greater participation in power.
– Health and Jobs: Upgrades of primary and tertiary health facilities, and job creation through newly established regional development commissions and MDAs.
On the economy, Akume, as quoted in the release, noted positive indicators: a more stable foreign exchange market, moderating inflation, strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals, and renewed investor confidence.
“Official data shows continued real economic growth, moderation in headline inflation and declining food-price pressures,” he said, adding that programmes like NELFUND, Social Investment Programmes, Credit Corps, and Conditional Cash Transfers are designed to ensure reforms translate to improved welfare for households.
—On Security and Democracy—
Addressing security, Akume said the administration is expanding and fine-tuning the security architecture.
He cited the creation of four new Army divisions in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states, and ongoing reforms in intelligence, logistics, recruitment, technology and personnel welfare. He also noted the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security.
On democracy, the SGF dismissed claims of a drift toward a one-party state.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and INEC’s independence.
“The Federal Government neither seeks nor supports a one-party state. INEC has registered 21 political parties, which is clear evidence of political pluralism,” he said, according to the statement signed by Odunuga.
—Candid Dialogue with the Church—
Akume described the meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops as “candid, respectful and constructive,” noting that discussions covered security, economic hardship, education, electoral credibility, and religious freedom.
He also acknowledged progress recorded, including the student loan programme and recent successes by security agencies in rescuing abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
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“Government and the Church may not always share identical views on every policy, but we remain united by the common aspiration that every Nigerian lives in peace, dignity and hope,” Akume said.
“Our diversity is our source of strength. In spite of many, we are one people,” he concluded, expressing optimism that continued collaboration will build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
