The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Catholic Church in promoting national development, peace and social cohesion.
Akume gave the assurance in a goodwill message at the First Plenary Meeting of 2026 of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) held in Abuja on Sunday.
This was contained in a statement on 22nd February, by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Addressing Catholic bishops and clergy, the SGF described the plenary as a significant moment of reflection and pastoral direction for both the Church and the nation.
He thanked the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria for the invitation, noting that the gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual and socio-economic realities confronting Nigerians.
Akume commended the Catholic Church’s longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s moral and developmental landscape, particularly through its extensive network of schools, hospitals and humanitarian institutions serving the poor and vulnerable.
He observed that Nigeria is at a defining moment, with citizens yearning for peace, justice, economic stability and accountable leadership.
According to him, the Church’s consistent advocacy for good governance, human dignity and national unity has served as a moral compass for the country.
The SGF noted that pastoral letters and communiqués issued by the bishops often reflect the conscience of the nation, challenging public office holders to uphold transparency and servant leadership.
He described such interventions as patriotic and rooted in Gospel values.
Reaffirming the administration’s readiness for constructive engagement, Akume said the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to advancing peace, interreligious harmony, youth empowerment and inclusive development.
He added that justice, security of lives and property, and human dignity transcend political and denominational boundaries, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.
Akume assured the bishops that the Federal Government remains focused on economic reforms, institutional strengthening and social protection for the most vulnerable, noting that national transformation requires patience, sacrifice and collective effort.
He concluded by commending the bishops for their steadfast leadership and expressed hope that the plenary would yield resolutions that strengthen pastoral care and contribute to national stability and sustainable development.