President Bola Tinubu on Saturday said interfaith dialogue remains the only sustainable path to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and strengthening national unity.
The president also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting peace, harmony and tolerance among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.
Tinubu spoke while receiving Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, at his residence in Abuja.
Gallagher was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.
Tinubu said his administration would continue to partner religious leaders in promoting peaceful coexistence across the country.
“My administration will continue to work on religious harmony among all faiths. Our bishops and religious leaders have been doing a great deal.”
The president urged religious leaders to sustain their efforts in preaching peace and tolerance.
“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.”
Tinubu recalled his longstanding relationship with the Catholic Church, particularly during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
He said he strongly supports the Church’s contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services.
“I understand the roles that the Catholic Church has been playing in expanding the frontiers of education, health and humanitarianism in Nigeria. It means a lot to us, and the country is benefiting from it.”
The president said his conviction informed the return of mission schools to religious organisations after he assumed office as governor.
Tinubu also commended Pope Leo XIV for his global efforts to promote peace and unity.
“I appreciate the Pope. It was an honour for me to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration. We need his spiritual engagement as millions around the world look up to him.”
He expressed optimism that the Pontiff would visit Nigeria in the future.
The president assured his guest that his administration remained committed to protecting freedom of worship.
“We are also doing a lot to guarantee freedom of worship. As you may be aware, my wife is a pastor at an evangelical church,” he said.
Tinubu said the government had recorded significant progress in the fight against insecurity through intensified military operations and improved surveillance.
He added that more resources were being deployed to security while investments in youth development would help prevent radicalisation and terrorist recruitment.
Gallagher said he was in Nigeria to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
He described Nigeria as strategic to the Catholic Church because of its vibrant Catholic community.
The Archbishop conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation to Tinubu for attending his inauguration at the Vatican.
He commended the President’s commitment to peace and security and encouraged him to sustain the ongoing efforts.
Gallagher also appreciated the Federal Government for facilitating visas for Catholic bishops and responding positively to the Church’s needs.
He expressed confidence that relations between Nigeria and the Holy See would continue to deepen through sustained high-level engagements.
Gallagher was accompanied by Archbishop Michael Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Monsignor Suman Anthony and Monsignor Patarne Koyassambia-Kozondo.