By Ihechi Enyinnaya
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, religious harmony and tolerance, describing dialogue among faiths as the most effective path to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
The President made the remarks 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. Archbishop Gallagher was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
During the meeting, Tinubu highlighted his longstanding relationship with the Catholic Church, recalling his close collaboration with the Church during his tenure as governor of Lagos State. He praised the Catholic Church’s contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services across Nigeria.
The President noted that his belief in the Church’s role in national development informed his decision to prioritise the return of mission schools to their original religious owners after they had been taken over by previous military administrations.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to Pope Leo XIV, describing it as an honour to have led Nigeria’s delegation to the Pope’s inauguration.
“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.
He assured the Vatican envoy that his administration would continue to promote religious harmony and urged bishops and other religious leaders to sustain their efforts in preaching peace and tolerance.
“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,” he added.
The President also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting freedom of worship, noting that his wife serves as a pastor in an evangelical church, which he said demonstrates the country’s religious diversity and helps counter misconceptions about religious divisions in Nigeria.
On security, Tinubu said the military had recorded significant successes against criminal elements and terrorists, while stressing the need to sustain the gains.
He disclosed that his administration was committing more resources to security operations, including intensified surveillance of previously ungoverned areas, while also investing in youth empowerment to prevent young people from being exploited by terrorists and extremists.
Speaking earlier, Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria to participate in activities marking 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 commended the country’s bishops for their contributions to the Church across Africa.
The Archbishop conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation for President Tinubu’s attendance at his inauguration and praised the progress made by Veritas University, Abuja, established by the Catholic community.
He also commended Tinubu’s efforts to promote peace, particularly through military initiatives, and encouraged the administration to sustain its commitment to national stability.
Gallagher further thanked the Nigerian government for facilitating visas for Catholic bishops and responding positively to the Church’s needs.
He informed the President that he looked forward to receiving Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Holy See in the coming weeks and assured Tinubu that his current visit would be the first of several special visits from the Holy See.
The Vatican delegation 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.