Nigerian government will continue to work with religious leaders to promote peace and tolerance – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday in Abuja, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing inter-religious dialogue and promoting peace, harmony and tolerance among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.

The President made this statement while receiving in audience Monsignor Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, at his residence in Abuja.

Bishop Gallagher was introduced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.

President Tinubu has said inter-religious dialogue is the only way to address the country’s security challenges.

He told the Archbishop that he had a long and cordial relationship with the Catholic Church, especially during his time as governor in Lagos.

He said he strongly supports the Church’s contribution to education and healthcare.

The president said this belief led him to prioritize the return of mission schools to religious institutions as soon as he became governor. The schools were taken over during previous military administrations.

“I appreciate the Pope. It was an honor for me to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration as Pope Leo

“My administration will continue to work on religious harmony among all faiths. Our bishops and religious leaders have done a lot. Please tell them to continue the good work they are doing. Let them continue to preach peace and tolerance. We cannot go too far.

“I understand the role the Catholic Church has played in expanding the frontiers of education, healthcare and humanitarianism in Nigeria. It means a lot to us in Nigeria and the country is benefiting from it.

“We are also doing a lot to guarantee freedom of worship. As you may know, my wife is a pastor in an evangelical church. This minimizes the religious connotation that the religious controversy in our country could have taken on,” he said.

President Tinubu assured his guest that the Nigerian Army has made significant progress in recent times and remains committed to sustaining these achievements, recognizing that a single incident can undermine previous achievements.

He said more resources were being allocated to security, with heightened surveillance, particularly in previously ungoverned areas.

The President assured the Archbishop that his government is also investing in young people 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, stressing that Nigeria is very strategic for the Catholic Church due to its vibrant Catholic community.

He also expressed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation for President Tinubu’s presence at his inauguration. He shared his impressions of Veritas University, founded 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 the continent’s bishops.

He commended President Tinubu’s efforts in promoting peace, particularly through military initiatives, and encouraged continued engagement.

He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for facilitating visas for bishops and for its response to the diverse needs of the Church.

Archbishop Gallagher informed President Tinubu that he looked forward to receiving the Nigerian Ambassador to the Holy See in a few weeks and assured him that this visit will be the first in a series of special visits by the Holy See.

Accompanying Bishop Gallagher were HE Bishop Michael F. Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria; Rev. Mons. Suman Paul Anthony, Official of the Secretariat of State – Section for Relations with States and International Organizations; and Rev. Monsignor Patarne Koyassambia-Kozondo, First Secretary, Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria.