The Federal Government has called for stronger cooperation with the Catholic Church and other faith groups as it seeks broader support in tackling Nigeria’s security, economic and social challenges.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the country’s problems could not be solved by government alone.
He said sustained cooperation with religious bodies, traditional institutions, civil society groups, the private sector and ordinary Nigerians was necessary to promote peace, national unity and development.
Akume spoke in a statement issued after President Bola Tinubu’s recent meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
The statement, signed by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, said the government remained open to honest criticism and constructive advice.
Akume also acknowledged the Catholic Church’s long-standing contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian work and moral guidance.
He said the government recognised the church’s right and responsibility to speak out on issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians.
The meeting between President Tinubu and the bishops was described as candid and constructive, with discussions covering insecurity, economic hardship, public services, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.
According to Akume, both sides acknowledged areas where progress had been made, including the student loan programme and recent efforts to rescue abducted schoolchildren.
He said differences in opinion should not be mistaken for a breakdown in relations.
Rather, such differences, he argued, should be seen as part of the wider conversation about how to build a more peaceful and united Nigeria.
On the economy, Akume admitted that many Nigerians are struggling with the rising cost of living.
However, he described the hardship as a temporary phase, arguing that the government’s reforms are aimed at fixing long-standing structural problems.
He pointed to investments in railways, superhighways, road rehabilitation and agricultural support through the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) as part of efforts to strengthen the economy and restore stability.
The SGF said the government would continue to engage with the Catholic Church and other stakeholders, stressing that open dialogue remained important as Nigeria works through its current challenges.
