ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with religious leaders to promote peace, tolerance and national unity, describing interfaith dialogue as a critical tool in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
The President made the pledge on Saturday while receiving Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, at his residence in Abuja. The visiting Archbishop was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Tinubu said his government would continue to strengthen collaboration with religious institutions, noting the significant contributions of the Catholic Church to education, healthcare and humanitarian services across Nigeria.
“I appreciate the Pope. It was an honour for me to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration as Pope Leo XIV. We need his spiritual engagement, as millions around the world look up to him, and I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria,” the President said.
He urged Christian and Muslim leaders to sustain efforts at preaching peace and tolerance, stressing that religious harmony remains essential to national stability.
Recalling his tenure as governor of Lagos State, Tinubu said his administration prioritised returning mission schools to their original owners because of his confidence in the role of faith-based institutions in improving education.
The President also assured his guest that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to improve security across the country. He said additional resources are being deployed to the military, surveillance has been strengthened in previously ungoverned areas, and investments are being made in young people to reduce their vulnerability to recruitment by terrorist groups.
Tinubu further reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting freedom of worship, noting that Nigeria’s religious diversity should be a source of unity rather than division.
Archbishop Gallagher, who is in Nigeria to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, described the country as strategically important to the Catholic Church because of its vibrant Catholic population.
He conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation for President Tinubu’s attendance at his inauguration and commended the Nigerian leader’s efforts to promote peace and strengthen security.
The Vatican envoy also praised the growth of Veritas University in Abuja and thanked the Nigerian government for its support to the Catholic Church, particularly in facilitating visas for bishops and responding to the Church’s needs.
Gallagher expressed optimism that relations between Nigeria and the Holy See would continue to deepen, revealing that more high-level Vatican visits to Nigeria are expected in the near future.
