President Bola Tinubu has said sustained interfaith dialogue remains central to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and strengthening national unity.
Tinubu made the statement in Abuja while receiving Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.
The Vatican official was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said his administration would continue to promote peace, harmony and tolerance among Nigeria’s different religious communities.
The President said religious leaders had an important role to play in calming tensions and encouraging peaceful coexistence across the country.
He urged Christian and Muslim leaders to continue preaching tolerance, unity and respect among Nigerians.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria cannot have too much advocacy for peace, especially at a time when the country is confronting insecurity in different regions.
The President said his administration would keep working with faith leaders to deepen religious harmony and reduce divisions that could be exploited by violent groups.
Tinubu also spoke about his long relationship with the Catholic Church, particularly during his time as Governor of Lagos State.
He said the Church had made major contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian service in Nigeria.
The President noted that those contributions informed his decision as Lagos governor to return mission schools to religious organisations.
Tinubu said the country continues to benefit from the Catholic Church’s work in expanding access to learning, medical care and support for vulnerable communities.
He also commended Pope Leo XIV for his global efforts to promote peace and unity.
Tinubu recalled leading Nigeria’s delegation to the Pope’s inauguration, describing the event as historic and important to Nigeria’s relationship with the Vatican.
The President said he looked forward to receiving the Pope in Nigeria in the future.
He assured the Vatican official that his administration remained committed to protecting freedom of worship across the country.
Tinubu added that the government was making progress in the fight against insecurity through stronger military operations, improved surveillance and increased support for security agencies.
He said more resources were being deployed to security operations, while investments in youth development would help reduce radicalisation and recruitment by terrorist groups.
Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
He described Nigeria as an important country to the Catholic Church because of its active and growing Catholic community.
Gallagher conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation to Tinubu for attending his inauguration at the Vatican.
He also commended the President’s commitment to peace and security, urging the Nigerian government to sustain its efforts.
The Archbishop thanked the Federal Government for supporting the Church’s activities, including visa facilitation for Catholic bishops.
He expressed optimism that relations between Nigeria and the Holy See would continue to grow through stronger diplomatic and religious engagement
Gallagher was accompanied by Archbishop Michael Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Monsignor Suman Anthony and Monsignor Patarne Koyassambia-Kozondo.
The meeting highlighted Nigeria’s continued diplomatic engagement with the Vatican and renewed attention on the role of religious leaders in promoting peace, tolerance and national cohesion.
