President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with religious leaders as part of ongoing efforts to foster peace, unity, and national stability across Nigeria.
The President gave the assurance on Saturday in Abuja while hosting the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.
He stressed that dialogue among different faiths remains a critical tool for overcoming insecurity and deepening national cohesion.
Tinubu noted that religious leaders have continued to play an important role in promoting understanding and peaceful coexistence, urging them to sustain their message of tolerance and unity across the country.
Reflecting on his years as Governor of Lagos State, the President recalled his close relationship with the Catholic Church, describing its contributions to education, healthcare, and humanitarian services as invaluable.
He said one of his notable decisions in office was the restoration of mission schools to their original religious owners after years of government control under past military administrations.
The President also praised Pope Leo XIV for his commitment to global peace and expressed optimism that the Pontiff would one day visit Nigeria.
He recalled leading Nigeria’s delegation to the Pope’s inauguration, describing the event as a significant moment in history.
Speaking on security, Tinubu said Nigerian troops have recorded encouraging successes against criminal elements and insurgents, adding that the Federal Government was investing more resources in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and military operations to sustain the momentum.
He further disclosed that his administration was expanding programmes aimed at empowering young people through education and economic opportunities to reduce their vulnerability to terrorism, extremism, and other forms of criminal recruitment.
Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting freedom of worship, saying Nigeria’s religious diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division.
In his remarks, Archbishop Gallagher congratulated Nigeria and the Holy See on five decades of diplomatic relations, describing the country as one of the Catholic Church’s most important partners in Africa due to its vibrant Christian population and active religious institutions.
The Archbishop commended the Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve security and promote peaceful coexistence, while expressing appreciation for the Nigerian government’s continued support for the Catholic Church’s activities.
He also conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s gratitude to President Tinubu for attending his inauguration and expressed confidence that stronger cooperation between Nigeria and the Holy See would continue in the years ahead.
