President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with religious leaders to promote peace, tolerance and national unity, describing interfaith dialogue as an essential tool in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
The President stated this on Saturday in Abuja while receiving Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, during a courtesy visit marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said his administration would continue to prioritise religious harmony and freedom of worship while partnering with faith-based institutions to foster national cohesion.
He recalled his longstanding relationship with the Catholic Church dating back to his tenure as governor of Lagos State, noting that he supported the return of mission schools to their original owners because of the Church’s contributions to education and healthcare.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President urged Catholic bishops and other religious leaders to sustain their efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the Catholic Church’s role in expanding access to education, healthcare and humanitarian services across Nigeria, assuring that his government remains committed to protecting freedom of worship.
Highlighting his administration’s approach to national security, the President said the military had recorded significant gains against insecurity, adding that more resources were being deployed to strengthen surveillance, particularly in previously ungoverned areas.
He also said the government was investing in young people through programmes aimed at reducing unemployment and preventing their exploitation by terrorist groups and other criminal elements.
In his remarks, Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria to participate in activities commemorating the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
He described Nigeria as a strategic country for the Catholic Church because of its vibrant Catholic population and praised the growth of Veritas University Abuja.
The Vatican envoy also conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation to President Tinubu for attending his inauguration and commended the administration’s efforts to promote peace and improve security.
Gallagher thanked the Nigerian government for facilitating visas for Catholic bishops and supporting the Church’s activities, expressing optimism that relations between Nigeria and the Holy See would continue to deepen through future high-level engagements.