President Bola Tinubu has pledged to maintain a strong partnership with religious leaders to foster peace and tolerance across Nigeria. During a meeting in Abuja with Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, the President emphasized that dialogue remains essential for resolving national security concerns.
Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Lagos, Tinubu highlighted his history of supporting the Catholic Church, particularly in the sectors of health and education. He noted that he actively returned mission schools to their original religious owners to empower these institutions. The President also expressed his desire to host the Pope in Nigeria, commending the pontiff’s global efforts to promote stability.
Regarding domestic affairs, the President pointed to his own household as a symbol of religious diversity, noting his wife serves as a pastor in an evangelical church. He assured the Archbishop that his administration is ramping up security investments and focusing on youth development to prevent radicalization. In response, Archbishop Gallagher, visiting for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Holy See, praised Nigeria’s strategic importance and the vibrancy of its Catholic community. He commended the government’s ongoing peace-building initiatives and expressed gratitude for the administrative support provided to the Church.
