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• Says faith groups, CSOs critical to tackling Nigeria’s challenges
• Reiterates administration’s commitment to independence of INEC
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, on Wednesday dismissed suggestions that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was pursuing a one-party state, insisting that the government remains committed to multi-party democracy while pledging to deepen engagement with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and other stakeholders to address the country’s pressing challenges.
According to him, the Tinubu administration recognises the critical role of faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector in promoting peace, social cohesion, and national development.
In a statement he personally signed following the controversy that trailed the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Akume said the government remained open to constructive criticism and would continue to govern through dialogue, accountability, and evidence-based policies.
He also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing concerns over the country’s democratic future.
“The Federal Government neither seeks nor supports a one-party state,” Akume declared, adding that the administration remained “deeply respectful of the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, in the spirit of true democracy.”
The SGF disclosed that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would sustain consultations with the Catholic Bishops, other faith-based organisations, and relevant stakeholders to build consensus on national issues.
“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. Constructive engagement between Government and these institutions is therefore not only welcome but essential,” he said.
Akume described the Catholic Church as one of Nigeria’s foremost development partners, acknowledging its contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding, and moral leadership.
He said discussions between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops were frank and constructive, covering issues including insecurity, economic hardship, education, public services, electoral credibility, political pluralism, and religious freedom.
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According to him, both sides also acknowledged progress recorded under the administration, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and recent successes by security agencies in rescuing abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
On the economy, Akume admitted that many Nigerians were experiencing hardship but described the situation as temporary, arguing that the administration’s reforms were necessary to correct structural distortions and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.
He cited investments in major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, nationwide road rehabilitation, agricultural support programmes, electricity reforms, and expanded social intervention schemes as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving living standards.
“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.
The SGF added that there were already signs that the reforms were producing positive results, including greater foreign exchange stability, easing inflationary pressures, and renewed investor confidence.
He assured Nigerians that the next phase of the administration’s economic agenda would focus on translating macroeconomic gains into lower food prices, quality jobs, improved public services, and expanded economic opportunities.
On security, Akume said the government remained committed to protecting lives and property, revealing that President Tinubu had approved four new Army divisions in Benue, Kwara, Taraba, and Edo states to strengthen military operations.
He added that reforms in intelligence gathering, logistics, recruitment, technology, and personnel welfare, alongside the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security, were aimed at improving the country’s internal security architecture.
While acknowledging that the government and the Catholic Church might not always agree on every policy, Akume stressed that both shared a common goal of building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
“No responsible government should ignore the concerns of its people,” he said.
“Our diversity is our source of strength. In spite of many, we are one people.”
