FG Reaffirms Respect for Catholic Church, Says Current Hardship Passing Phase

The Nigerian federal government has reaffirmed its profound respect for the Catholic Church, recognizing it as one of the nation's most significant development partners. The government emphasized President Bola Tinubu's commitment to enhancing engagement with faith-based organizations to address pressing national challenges.

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The federal government has taken note of public reactions following the recent meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). We wish to reaffirm our profound respect for the Catholic Church and its enduring contributions to Nigeria’s development through education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral guidance.

Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), issued a statement addressing recent exchanges between the administration and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). Akume highlighted the Catholic Church's invaluable contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding, and moral leadership. He stated that the Tinubu administration welcomes honest advice and constructive engagement from religious institutions.

The government believes that many of Nigeria's challenges require collaborative solutions. Akume stressed that partnerships with faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, and citizens are indispensable for national development. He noted that constructive engagement between the government and these entities is not only welcome but essential for promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion, and advancing national progress.

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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.

During a recent meeting, the bishops had voiced concerns over worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and the state of democratic governance. The ensuing public debate intensified after a former Archbishop defended the bishops' right to "speak truth to power." The administration assured that the current economic difficulties are a temporary phase that will eventually yield to the benefits of ongoing reforms.

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speak truth to power