Akume defends Tinubu’s reforms

…assures Christian leaders of stronger action on security

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity, expand infrastructure and deliver the benefits of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda despite prevailing economic and social challenges.

Speaking at the Second National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja on Thursday, Akume said the Tinubu administration remained committed to building a more inclusive and prosperous nation through reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, improving infrastructure, enhancing food security, creating jobs and strengthening national security.

The SGF acknowledged that Nigeria was facing challenges ranging from global economic uncertainties and inflation to youth unemployment and security concerns but maintained that the country had continued to demonstrate resilience.

“The administration of President Bola Tinubu remains fully committed to building a stronger, more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria where every citizen, irrespective of faith, ethnicity, region or social status, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

Akume defended ongoing reforms by the administration, noting that while some policies had required sacrifices from citizens, they were designed to deliver long-term economic benefits and sustainable development.

Highlighting major infrastructure projects, he cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway as transformative investments capable of boosting economic growth and agricultural productivity.

According to him, the Sokoto-Badagry road project is expected to open up more than two million hectares of farmland and support the development and rehabilitation of dams that would enhance irrigation and electricity generation.

On education, Akume described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative as one of the government’s most strategic policies, saying it had removed financial barriers to higher education for students from poor backgrounds.

“You cannot be denied higher education today simply because you are from a poor family,” he said, adding that several African countries had shown interest in studying Nigeria’s student loan model.

The SGF also emphasised the role of faith-based organisations in nation-building, commending CAN for its contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services and social development across the country.

He assured the Christian body that the Federal Government remained open to constructive engagement with religious organisations on issues affecting national cohesion, religious freedom, youth empowerment, poverty alleviation and social justice.

Addressing concerns over insecurity, Akume said the government was strengthening security agencies through increased recruitment and the acquisition of modern weapons systems to combat criminal activities, including kidnapping.

“Government is acquiring more weaponry systems, and government is increasing manning levels across the military and other security organisations,” he stated.

He noted that while kidnapping remained

a major concern, security challenges were not unique to Nigeria, stressing that governments around the world were grappling with similar threats.

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Akume further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, including freedom of worship, access to justice and equal opportunities for participation in national development.

Earlier, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to curb killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes across the country.

Okoh said church leaders were deeply concerned about the security situation and appealed for closer collaboration between government and religious bodies in addressing national challenges.

He, however, assured President Tinubu’s administration of the Christian community’s continued prayers and support, expressing hope that the level of violence in the country would significantly reduce before the end of the president’s first term.

The NEC meeting brought together Christian leaders from across Nigeria to deliberate on issues affecting the Church and national development.