By Monsurat Abisoye
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with stakeholders to address concerns relating to security, social welfare, education, youth development, and economic empowerment across the country.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the assurance while addressing the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), held in Abuja from 17 to 18 June 2026.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Akume said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration acknowledges the concerns of Christians and other Nigerians over security, equal opportunities, freedom of worship, access to justice, and participation in national development. He added that the government remains committed to strengthening institutions that safeguard fundamental rights, uphold the rule of law, and promote social inclusion.
The SGF said the Federal Government would continue working with relevant stakeholders to address challenges affecting security, education, social welfare, youth empowerment, and the economy. He also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the Christian community to continue contributing to national development through education, healthcare, humanitarian services, and community development.
Akume described CAN as a respected voice for justice, peace, equity, good governance, and national unity, noting that its NEC meeting provides an important platform for reflection and collective action on issues affecting the Church and the nation. He expressed confidence that the meeting would produce practical recommendations to strengthen peace, Christian welfare, national unity, and Nigeria’s overall development.
While acknowledging the country’s challenges, including global economic uncertainty, insecurity, climate pressures, inflation, youth unemployment, and social tensions, Akume said Nigeria has continued to demonstrate resilience. He maintained that the Tinubu administration remains committed to delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda through economic reforms, infrastructure development, improved food security, job creation, social investment programmes, investment promotion, and enhanced national security.
He admitted that some reforms have required sacrifices from citizens but said the government is focused on ensuring they deliver long-term improvements in living standards, economic opportunities, and sustainable development.
The SGF also highlighted the vital role of the Church in nation-building, praising Christian organisations for operating schools, hospitals, orphanages, rehabilitation centres, and other charitable institutions that complement government efforts in human development and social welfare.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining constructive engagement with CAN and other faith-based organisations on issues including national cohesion, religious freedom, education, youth empowerment, poverty reduction, and social justice. According to him, sustainable national development requires collaboration between government, religious and traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector, and citizens.
Akume further urged Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, saying the country’s ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity should unite rather than divide its people. He commended Christian and Muslim leaders for promoting dialogue and harmony, encouraging them to remain advocates of peace, reconciliation, and national unity.
He also called on the Church to continue praying for Nigeria and its leaders while urging citizens to uphold integrity, patriotism, compassion, accountability, and responsible citizenship. Akume concluded by thanking CAN for the invitation to the NEC meeting and prayed for God’s blessings upon the Church, the nation’s leaders, and Nigeria.
