President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering religious harmony, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria, describing collaboration among religious leaders as essential to tackling the country’s security challenges.
The President made the remarks on Saturday while receiving the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, at his residence in Abuja.
Archbishop Gallagher, who was accompanied by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, visited Nigeria as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Holy See.
During the meeting, Tinubu stressed that sustained dialogue among religious groups remains one of the most effective ways to promote national unity and address insecurity.
Tinubu expresses desire to welcome Pope Leo XIV
The President recalled his recent participation in the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, describing the event as historic and praising the Pontiff’s commitment to promoting global peace.
He expressed optimism that the Pope would one day visit Nigeria.
“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 historic moment. I have seen his efforts across the world to promote peace, and millions look up to him for spiritual guidance. I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
Commitment to religious tolerance
Tinubu assured his guest that his administration would continue to encourage peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
He praised Nigerian bishops and other religious leaders for their efforts in promoting peace and urged them to sustain their advocacy.
“Our administration will continue to promote religious harmony among all faiths. Our bishops and religious leaders have been doing an excellent job. They should continue preaching peace, tolerance and understanding because society can never have too much of those values,” he stated.
Catholic Church’s contributions recognised
The President acknowledged the Catholic Church’s longstanding contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services in Nigeria.
He recalled his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, noting that his decision to return mission schools to their original religious owners reflected his belief in the important role faith-based institutions play in national development.
Tinubu said the Church’s investments in education and healthcare continue to benefit millions of Nigerians.
Government committed to freedom of worship
The President also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting freedom of religion and worship.
He pointed to his own family as an example of religious tolerance, noting that his wife serves as a pastor in an evangelical church.
According to him, such diversity demonstrates that religious differences should never become a source of division in the country.
Security efforts yielding results
Speaking on security, Tinubu said Nigerian security forces have recorded significant successes in recent operations against criminal and terrorist groups.
He noted that the government has continued to increase funding for security agencies while expanding surveillance operations, particularly in previously ungoverned areas vulnerable to criminal activities.
The President added that his administration is investing in youth empowerment programmes aimed at reducing unemployment and preventing young people from becoming targets for terrorist recruitment and radicalisation.
Holy See commends Nigeria’s relationship with Vatican
Archbishop Gallagher said his visit coincided with celebrations marking five decades of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
He described Nigeria as one of the Catholic Church’s most important countries because of its vibrant Catholic population and growing influence on the African continent.
The Archbishop also conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation to President Tinubu for attending his inauguration at the Vatican.
He praised the progress recorded by Veritas University in Abuja, describing it as evidence of the Catholic Church’s commitment to higher education in Nigeria.
Gallagher further described Nigeria as “the heart of Africa,” noting that many of the Church’s most impactful pastoral activities on the continent are taking place in the country.
Vatican praises peace initiatives
The Vatican envoy commended President Tinubu’s efforts to improve national security, particularly through military operations aimed at restoring peace in troubled regions.
He encouraged the administration to remain steadfast in its efforts to promote stability across the country.
Gallagher also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for its cooperation with the Catholic Church, including facilitating visas for bishops and responding positively to the Church’s operational needs.
He disclosed that the Holy See is preparing to receive Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Vatican in the coming weeks and assured the President that more high-level visits from Vatican officials to Nigeria are expected in the future.
The delegation accompanying Archbishop Gallagher included Archbishop Michael F. Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria; Rev. Monsignor Suman Paul Anthony of the Secretariat of State’s Section for Relations with States and International Organisations; and Rev. Monsignor Patarne Koyassambia-Kozondo, First Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria.
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