Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has declared that Nigeria remains firmly committed to ensuring the country never returns to the horrors of war, reaffirming the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen peace, religious tolerance and national cohesion through inclusive governance and sustained international partnerships.

Akume gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the Country Representative of the Community of Saint Egidio in Nigeria, Prof. Jan De Volder, who led a delegation that included the Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iscopo Foti, on a courtesy visit.

The delegation formally invited the SGF to participate in an international peace conference scheduled for October in Italy, where political and religious leaders from across the world will deliberate on strategies for promoting peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue and conflict resolution.

Speaking during the meeting, Akume said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to fostering national unity while addressing security challenges through sustained military operations, inclusive governance and socio-economic reforms.

He stressed that the painful lessons of the Nigerian Civil War continue to shape the country’s collective resolve to preserve peace and national stability.

“Since the civil war, Nigerians have made up their minds never to experience war again. While we may have frictions arising from our differences, we are collectively working towards peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and national unity,” the SGF said.

Acknowledging the security challenges confronting parts of the country, Akume maintained that government interventions had continued to degrade the capacity of terrorist and insurgent groups.

According to him, President Tinubu is working tirelessly with security agencies and other stakeholders to restore peace across the country while implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda to stimulate economic recovery and ensure inclusive national development.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working round the clock with all stakeholders to end the barbaric killings and attacks on our citizens. Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, the government is also driving economic recovery and ensuring that every segment of the population is carried along in the nation’s development process,” he said.

The SGF commended the Community of Saint Egidio for its longstanding contributions to global peacebuilding, humanitarian service and interfaith dialogue, expressing Nigeria’s readiness to deepen collaboration with international partners in advancing peace and sustainable development.

Earlier, Prof. De Volder said the Community of Saint Egidio, which has operated globally for 53 years and maintained a presence in Nigeria for 26 years, was founded on the principles of prayer, service to the poor and peace.

He described the organisation as a bridge-builder among communities and a steadfast advocate for vulnerable populations, adding that Nigeria’s resilience and diversity offer valuable lessons for the international community.

De Volder noted that, contrary to the often negative narratives circulated on social media and in sections of the international media, his experience of Nigeria had revealed a country with remarkable strength, hospitality and an enduring commitment to peaceful coexistence.

He said the October gathering in Italy would bring together religious and political leaders from different parts of the world to explore practical approaches to promoting peace, dialogue and mutual understanding in an increasingly polarised global environment.

According to him, Nigeria’s experience in managing diversity and promoting interfaith harmony would make a significant contribution to the discussions.

Akume accepted the invitation to participate in the conference and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in pursuit of global peace, stability and sustainable development.