President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, peace, harmony and tolerance, describing religious cooperation as vital to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
The President made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja while receiving Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, at his residence. Gallagher was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Tinubu said he has maintained a cordial relationship with the Catholic Church since his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, praising the Church’s contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services across Nigeria.
He explained that his conviction in the role of faith-based institutions informed his decision to prioritise the return of mission schools to their original religious owners after becoming governor, following their takeover during previous military administrations.
“I appreciate the Pope. It was an honour for me to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration as Pope Leo XIV. It was a moment of history. I see his efforts all over the world to promote world peace. We need his spiritual engagement, as millions around the world look up to him. I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria.
“My administration will continue to work on religious harmony among all faiths. Our Bishops and religious leaders have been doing a great deal. Please tell them to continue the good work they are doing. Let them continue to preach peace and tolerance. We cannot have an excess of that.
“I understand the roles that the Catholic Church has been playing in expanding the frontiers of education, health and humanitarianism in Nigeria. It means a lot to us in Nigeria, and the country is benefiting from it.
“We are also doing a lot to guarantee freedom of worship. As you may be aware, my wife is a pastor at an evangelical church. This downplays the religious connotation that the religious controversy in our country might have taken,” Tinubu said.
The President assured the Vatican envoy that the Nigerian military has recorded significant gains in the fight against insecurity and remains committed to sustaining the momentum. He said the government is investing more resources in security operations while strengthening surveillance in previously ungoverned areas.
Tinubu added that his administration is also investing in young people to reduce their vulnerability to recruitment by terrorist groups and other criminal elements.
In his remarks, Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, describing the country as strategically important to the Catholic Church because of its vibrant Catholic population.
He conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation for Tinubu’s attendance at his inauguration and commended the progress of Veritas University, established by the Catholic community in Abuja.
Gallagher described Nigeria as the heart of Africa and home to some of the continent’s most impactful activities of Catholic bishops.
He also praised the President’s efforts to promote peace, particularly through ongoing security initiatives, and encouraged the government to sustain its commitment. In addition, he thanked the Nigerian government for facilitating visas for bishops and for its continued support of the Church’s activities.
The Archbishop informed Tinubu that he looks forward to receiving Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Holy See in the coming weeks and expressed optimism that the visit would mark the beginning of more high-level engagements between Nigeria and the Vatican.
Also accompanying Archbishop Gallagher were H.E. Archbishop Michael F. Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria; Rev. Monsignor Suman Paul Anthony, Official of the Secretariat of State – Section for Relations with States and International Organisations; and Rev. Monsignor Patarne Koyassambia-Kozondo, First Secretary, Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria.
