The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to building stronger partnerships with faith-based organisations as part of efforts to enhance national security, promote peaceful coexistence, and accelerate sustainable national development.
The commitment according to a statement by the head of press and public relations, Mrs .Mary Ali, was reiterated by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, led by Most Reverend Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, CON, to his office in Abuja on Tuesday.
Addressing the delegation, Dr. Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria has made tremendous progress over the years, noting that the country has advanced significantly compared to where it was four decades ago. He stressed that the current administration remains focused on nation-building through inclusive governance, strategic reforms, and strengthened internal security.
The minister underscored the critical role of religious institutions in fostering peace, national unity, and social cohesion, maintaining that government alone cannot deliver sustainable national development without the active collaboration of key stakeholders, including faith-based organisations.
According to him, strategic partnerships with religious bodies are essential to creating a more secure, united, and prosperous nation.
Tunji-Ojo reiterated the federal government’s readiness to sustain meaningful engagement with faith-based organisations and other critical stakeholders in driving the nation’s development agenda..
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Most Reverend Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, commended the present administration for its responsiveness to issues affecting the Church, especially the Catholic Church.
He also praised the ministry for maintaining an open-door policy that encourages dialogue and constructive engagement with religious stakeholders.
Bishop Kukah reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to partnering with the federal government in promoting national security, supporting sound public policies, and advancing initiatives that foster peace, justice, unity, and national development.
Discussions during the meeting centred on strengthening collaboration between the Ministry and the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in areas of mutual interest, particularly national security, social cohesion, good governance, and initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence across the country.
