President Bola Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his administration's dedication to interfaith dialogue as a tool for promoting peace and tolerance across Nigeria's religious communities. He made the commitment while receiving Archbishop Paul R.
Gallagher, the Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, at his Abuja residence.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu accompanied the Archbishop to the meeting. Tinubu told his guest that interfaith engagement remains the only credible path to tackling the country's security troubles.
The President recalled his long relationship with the Catholic Church during his tenure as Lagos governor. He expressed strong support for the Church's educational and healthcare initiatives across Nigeria.
Tinubu noted that this conviction prompted him to return mission schools to religious bodies soon after assuming office as governor. Military administrations had previously seized control of these institutions.
"I appreciate the Pope," Tinubu said. "It was an honour to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration as Pope Leo XIV.
It was a moment of history."
He added: "I see his efforts worldwide promoting world peace. We need his spiritual engagement, as millions globally look to him.
I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria."
The President urged religious leaders to intensify their peace-building work. "My administration will continue working on religious harmony among all faiths," he said.
"Our bishops and religious leaders have done a great deal. Let them continue preaching peace and tolerance.
We cannot have an excess of that."
Tinubu acknowledged the Catholic Church's substantial contributions to education, health, and humanitarian work in Nigeria. He stressed these efforts significantly benefit the country.
He highlighted his government's commitment to protecting freedom of worship. "My wife is a pastor at an evangelical church," Tinubu noted.
"This downplays any religious connotation that might have surrounded such matters."
On security, the President assured Gallagher that Nigeria's military has achieved considerable progress recently. He cautioned that a single incident can erase previous gains, requiring sustained commitment.
Tinubu disclosed that his government is allocating more resources to security operations. Enhanced surveillance efforts, particularly in previously ungoverned areas, have intensified.
His administration is also investing in youth programmes to prevent terrorist exploitation and radicalisation. This strategy aims to build resilience among vulnerable populations.
Archbishop Gallagher said he visited Nigeria to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic and the Holy See. He stressed Nigeria's strategic importance to the Catholic Church due to its vibrant Catholic population.
The Archbishop conveyed Pope Leo XIV's gratitude for Tinubu's attendance at his inauguration. He also praised Veritas University, established by the Catholic community in Abuja, for its remarkable development.
