President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with religious leaders to promote peace, interfaith dialogue and tolerance, describing unity among Nigeria’s diverse faith communities as essential to tackling insecurity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with religious leaders to promote peace, harmony and tolerance across Nigeria, describing interfaith dialogue as the most effective path to addressing the country’s security challenges.
The President made the remarks on Saturday while receiving Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, at his residence in Abuja. The Archbishop was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Tinubu said his administration would continue to prioritise religious harmony and deepen collaboration with faith-based organisations in fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence.
The President recalled his longstanding relationship with the Catholic Church, particularly during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, where he supported the return of mission schools to their original religious owners after they had been taken over during previous military administrations.
He also praised Pope Leo XIV for his global efforts to promote peace and said he looked forward to welcoming the Pontiff to 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 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,” the President said.
Tinubu urged bishops and other religious leaders to continue preaching peace and tolerance, noting that Nigeria could never have too much of either.
He commended the Catholic Church for its significant contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services, describing its role as invaluable to national development.
The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting freedom of worship, adding that his family’s religious diversity reflected the country’s spirit of tolerance.
“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,” he said.
On security, Tinubu said the Nigerian military had recorded significant progress in combating insecurity and assured that the government was committing more resources to strengthen surveillance, particularly in previously ungoverned areas.
He added that his administration was investing in youth development to reduce vulnerability to radicalisation and prevent terrorists from exploiting young Nigerians.
Speaking earlier, Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
He described Nigeria as strategically important to the Catholic Church because of its vibrant Catholic population and acknowledged President Tinubu’s attendance at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
The Archbishop also praised the progress of Veritas University in Abuja and commended the President’s efforts to promote peace through strengthened security initiatives.
Gallagher thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation with the Catholic Church, particularly in facilitating visas for bishops and responding positively to the Church’s needs.
He further informed the President that the Nigerian Ambassador to the Holy See would soon be received at the Vatican and expressed optimism that more high-level visits from the Holy See to Nigeria would follow.
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