Tinubu Unveils New Strategy To Engage Catholic Bishops, Akume Reveals

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has revealed that the Bola Tinubu administration plans to deepen collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), faith-based organisations, civil society groups and other key stakeholders in tackling the country’s security, economic and social challenges.

Akume made the disclosure in a statement he personally signed following public reactions to President Tinubu’s recent meeting with the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Addressing concerns raised after the meeting, the SGF dismissed claims that the administration was pursuing a one-party system, insisting that the Federal Government remains firmly committed to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and the conduct of free and credible elections.

He also reaffirmed the government’s respect for the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the electoral body as a vital institution in sustaining democratic governance.

According to Akume, the Tinubu administration remains open to constructive criticism and will continue to govern through dialogue, accountability and evidence-based policymaking.

The SGF disclosed that his office would sustain consultations with the Catholic Bishops, other religious organisations and relevant stakeholders to build consensus on issues of national importance.

He stressed that addressing Nigeria’s numerous challenges requires collective action, noting that faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, civil society groups, the private sector and ordinary citizens all have critical roles to play in promoting peace, national unity and sustainable development.

Akume described constructive engagement between the government and these groups as both necessary and beneficial to the country’s progress.

He further praised the Catholic Church as one of Nigeria’s longstanding development partners, highlighting its contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral leadership.

Speaking on the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops, Akume said discussions were frank and constructive, covering issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, education, public service delivery, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.

He noted that both parties also acknowledged some of the administration’s achievements, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative and recent security operations that resulted in the rescue of abducted students and teachers.

On the economy, the SGF admitted that many Nigerians were experiencing hardship but described the situation as a temporary consequence of reforms aimed at addressing longstanding structural challenges.

He maintained that the administration’s economic policies are designed to restore macroeconomic stability, rebuild investor confidence, attract investment and place the country on a sustainable path to growth.

Akume also highlighted several ongoing infrastructure and development projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, nationwide road rehabilitation projects, agricultural support programmes, electricity sector reforms and expanded social intervention initiatives, which he said are intended to improve the welfare and living standards of Nigerians.