•••President pledges stronger partnership with religious leaders, lauds Catholic Church’s role in education and healthcare, seeks Pope’s continued support for global peace
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, religious harmony, and peaceful coexistence as key strategies for tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
The President made the pledge on Saturday while receiving Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, at his residence in Abuja.
Tinubu said his government would continue to work closely with religious leaders across all faiths to foster peace, tolerance, and national unity, stressing that dialogue remains the most effective pathway to addressing insecurity and strengthening social cohesion.
He praised the Catholic Church for its longstanding contributions to education, healthcare, and humanitarian services in Nigeria, recalling that as Governor of Lagos State, he prioritised the return of mission schools to their original religious owners after they had been taken over during previous military administrations.
The President also expressed appreciation to Pope Leo XIV, describing it as an honour to have led Nigeria’s delegation to the Pope’s inauguration. He commended the Pontiff’s global advocacy for peace and said he looked forward to welcoming him to Nigeria in the future.
“My administration will continue to promote religious harmony among all faiths. Our bishops and religious leaders have been doing a great deal, and they should continue preaching peace and tolerance because we can never have too much of it,” Tinubu said.
He assured the Vatican envoy that his administration remains committed to guaranteeing freedom of worship and noted that ongoing investments in security, surveillance, and youth empowerment are aimed at reducing terrorism, radicalisation, and other security threats.
Tinubu said the military had recorded significant successes against criminal elements and terrorists, adding that more resources were being deployed to sustain the gains and secure previously ungoverned areas.
Archbishop Gallagher, who is in Nigeria to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, described the country as the “heart of Africa” and one of the Catholic Church’s most vibrant communities.
He conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation to President Tinubu for attending his inauguration and commended the administration’s efforts to promote peace and strengthen security.
Gallagher also praised the progress of Veritas University in Abuja and thanked the Nigerian government for its support to the Catholic Church, including the facilitation of visas for bishops and cooperation on matters affecting the Church.
The Archbishop expressed optimism that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See would continue to deepen, revealing that additional high-level visits from the Vatican are expected in the near future.
