Tinubu Calls For Stronger Alliance With Faith Leaders

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting religious harmony and strengthening collaboration with faith leaders as part of efforts to foster peace, national unity and address Nigeria’s security challenges.

According to Ireporter Online, the President made the remarks while receiving the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, at his residence in Abuja. The Vatican envoy was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.

Tinubu emphasized that religious leaders, particularly bishops, have continued to play a significant role in promoting peaceful coexistence across the country. He urged them to sustain their efforts in preaching peace, tolerance and understanding, stressing that Nigeria could never have too much peace.

The President reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritize interfaith dialogue, describing it as a critical strategy for tackling insecurity and strengthening national cohesion.

Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the Catholic Church since his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, Tinubu acknowledged the Church’s immense contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services. He noted that his appreciation for faith-based institutions influenced his decision to support the return of mission schools to their original religious owners after they had been taken over during successive military governments.

Tinubu also expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV, describing it as an honour to have led Nigeria’s delegation to the Pontiff’s inauguration. He praised the Pope’s commitment to global peace and expressed hope that the Holy Father would visit Nigeria in the future.

The President further commended the Catholic Church for its expanding contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian interventions, describing its role as invaluable to the country’s development. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting freedom of worship for all Nigerians, adding that his own family reflects the country’s tradition of religious tolerance.

On the security situation, Tinubu stated that the Nigerian Armed Forces had continued to record progress in the fight against criminal groups. He said the government was increasing investment in security operations through enhanced surveillance of previously ungoverned areas while also investing in young people to reduce their vulnerability to recruitment by terrorist organisations and other violent groups.

Archbishop Gallagher, who is in Nigeria to participate in activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, described Nigeria as strategically important to the Catholic Church because of its large and vibrant Catholic population.

He conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation to President Tinubu for attending the papal inauguration and praised the growth of Veritas University in Abuja, describing Nigeria as the heart of Africa with one of the continent’s strongest Catholic communities.

The Vatican envoy also commended the President’s efforts to restore peace through ongoing security operations and encouraged the government to remain committed to achieving lasting stability. He appreciated the Nigerian government for facilitating visa processing for Catholic bishops and responding positively to the Church’s needs, expressing confidence that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See would continue to grow stronger.

Gallagher further disclosed that he looked forward to receiving Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Holy See in the coming weeks and assured the President that more senior Vatican officials would visit Nigeria in the future.