Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to prioritising interfaith dialogue and promoting peace, harmony, and tolerance among Nigeria's diverse religious communities, stating that this commitment is the only path to addressing the country's security challenges. The President made the remarks on Saturday, July 4, 2026, 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.
President Tinubu said he had a long and cordial relationship with the Catholic Church, especially during his time as governor in Lagos, and strongly supports the Church's contributions to education and health. He noted that this belief led him to prioritise returning mission schools to religious institutions as soon as he became governor, as the schools were taken over during previous military administrations. "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 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 stated that more resources are being allocated to security, with intensified surveillance, particularly in previously ungoverned areas. The President also assured the Archbishop that his government is investing in the youth to prevent their exploitation by terrorists and reduce vulnerability to radicalisation.
Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Holy See, noting that Nigeria is very strategic 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 and 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 most successful activities of Bishops on the continent.
Archbishop Gallagher commended President Tinubu's efforts in promoting peace, particularly through military initiatives, and encouraged continued dedication. He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for facilitating visas for bishops and for its responsiveness to the Church's various needs. He informed President Tinubu that he looks forward to receiving the Nigerian Ambassador to the Holy See in a few weeks and assured him that this visit would be the first of several special visits from the Holy See.
The audience reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the Holy See, which was established 50 years ago. President Tinubu reiterated his administration's commitment to guaranteeing freedom of worship, noting that his wife is a pastor at an evangelical church, which he said downplays the religious connotations that the religious controversy in the country might have taken. "My administration will continue to work on 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," the President said.
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