By Our Reporter
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to promoting national unity, inclusive governance and a sense of belonging among all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations.
Senator Akume stated this while receiving a delegation from the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairmen, led by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab in Abuja, stressing that the Federal Government remains committed to building a united and prosperous Nigeria where every citizen has equal opportunities to contribute to national development.
He explained that competence, capacity and the ability to deliver results, rather than religious or tribal considerations, remain the guiding principles in appointments and governance.
The SGF cited the diverse religious and ethnic composition of the Federal Executive Council as evidence of the administration’s inclusive approach, noting that the government recognises Nigeria’s diversity as a strength and the government is determined to ensure that all citizens feel represented and valued in the affairs of the nation.
He commended the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to sustained engagement and dialogue with the Church, describing constructive interaction with religious institutions as important to national cohesion, peace and mutual understanding.
Senator Akume also highlighted key achievements of the Tinubu-led administration, noting that ongoing reforms and strategic interventions were aimed at strengthening the economy, improving infrastructure and enhancing the welfare of Nigerians.
On infrastructure, he pointed to improvements in the national road network, including projects in Kaduna and Benue States, as well as the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano and Sokoto-Badagary corridors, which he said were expected to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and stimulate economic activities.
In the financial sector, the SGF highlighted the reported increase in foreign exchange reserves to over $55 billion and the unification of foreign exchange windows through the Central Bank of Nigeria, describing the measures as important steps towards stabilising the economy and strengthening investor confidence.
He further underscored the administration’s interventions in education and healthcare, including the establishment of additional universities, access to student loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and the development of specialised health centres to enhance diagnostic services and improve healthcare delivery.
On agriculture, Senator Akume disclosed that the Federal Government was pursuing plans to unlock four million hectares of land for agricultural production and construct 10 new dams as part of efforts to boost food production, strengthen food security and achieve food sovereignty by 2050.
The SGF also defended the removal of the fuel subsidy, noting that the policy had created fiscal space for unprecedented transfers to state and local governments. He explained that the reform was intended to improve the business environment, promote economic growth and enable governments at all levels to channel more resources towards development priorities.
Senator Akume reiterated that the Tinubu administration remained focused on implementing reforms that would promote national development, economic recovery, social inclusion and a stronger sense of collective responsibility among Nigerians.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Northern CAN Chairmen, Rev. Joseph Hayab said the visit was aimed at strengthening engagement with the Federal Government and reaffirming the Church’s commitment to partnering with government in promoting national development, peace and unity. He also pledged the Church’s prayers, support and solidarity with the Tinubu-led administration.
He expressed the Church’s readiness to assist the government in communicating its achievements to Nigerians, particularly in addressing misconceptions, scepticism and misinformation about the administration’s policies and programmes.
He disclosed that the Church intended to utilise the forthcoming religious celebrations in December and January to sensitise its members on national progress and encourage constructive engagement with government, citing improvements in the road network in Kaduna as an example of the administration’s achievements.
Rev. Hayab also called for sustained engagement and greater access to government leadership, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for religious leaders to convey directly the concerns, challenges and aspirations of citizens to those in authority.
He urged the SGF to continue to seek the support and collaboration of Church leaders whenever necessary, assuring him of the Church’s willingness to contribute meaningfully to national development through prayers, advocacy and constructive partnership with government. NNL.
