President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday in Abuja, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising interfaith dialogue and promoting peace, harmony, and tolerance among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.
The President made the statement while receiving in audience 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 ushered in by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
President Tinubu said interfaith dialogue remains the only path to addressing the country’s security challenges.
He told the Archbishop that he has enjoyed a long and cordial relationship with the Catholic Church, especially during his time as Governor of Lagos State. He said he strongly supports the Church’s contributions to education and healthcare.
The President said this conviction led him to prioritise the return of mission schools to their original religious owners as soon as he became governor. The schools had been taken over during previous military administrations.
“I appreciate the Pope. It was an honour for me to lead the Nigerian delegation to the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. It was a historic moment. I have seen his efforts around 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.
“My administration will continue to work towards 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. We cannot have an excess of that.
“I understand the role that the Catholic Church has been playing in expanding the frontiers of education, healthcare and humanitarian services in Nigeria. It means a great deal to us, and the country is benefiting from it.
“We are also doing a lot to guarantee freedom of worship. As you may be aware, my wife is a pastor in an evangelical church. This downplays the religious connotation that the controversy surrounding religion in our country might otherwise have assumed.”
President Tinubu assured his guest that the Nigerian military has made significant progress in recent times and remains committed to sustaining these achievements, recognising that a single incident can undermine previous gains. He said more resources are being allocated to security, with intensified surveillance, particularly in previously ungoverned areas.
The President also assured the Archbishop that his administration is investing in young people to prevent their exploitation by terrorists and reduce their vulnerability to radicalisation.
Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Holy See, noting that Nigeria is of strategic importance to the Catholic Church because of its vibrant Catholic community.
He also conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation for President Tinubu’s presence at his inauguration. He shared his impressions of Veritas University, established by the Catholic community in Abuja, noting its remarkable progress.
He described Nigeria as the heart of Africa and home to some of the continent’s most vibrant Catholic communities and episcopal activities. He commended President Tinubu’s efforts to promote peace, particularly through military initiatives, and encouraged him to remain steadfast. He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Government for facilitating visas for bishops and for its responsiveness to the Church’s various needs.
Archbishop Gallagher informed President Tinubu that he looks forward to receiving the Nigerian Ambassador to the Holy See in the coming weeks and assured him that this visit would be the first of several special visits from the Holy See.
Accompanying Archbishop Gallagher were H.E. Archbishop Michael F. Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria; Rev. Monsignor Suman Paul Anthony, Official of the Secretariat of State – Section for Relations with States and International Organisations; and Rev. Monsignor Patarne Koyassambia-Kozondo, First Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria.