*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives in audience Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, in Abuja, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to prioritising interfaith dialogue, promoting peace, harmony, and tolerance among diverse religious communities in Nigeria
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the weekend, in Abuja, FCT, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising interfaith dialogue and promoting peace, harmony, and tolerance among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.
Tinubu noted this while while receiving in audience Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, in the State House.
InFocus: Nigeria’s rising data costs, QoE and telecoms sustainability
Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, accompanied Archbishop Gallagher on the courtesy call on the President.
Speaking during the meeting, President Tinubu said interfaith dialogue is the only path to addressing the country’s security challenges.
The Nigerian leader also informed the Archbishop that he has a long and cordial relationship with the Catholic Church, especially during his time as governor in Lagos.
Tinubu noted that he strongly supports the church’s contributions to education and health.
According to him, this belief led him to prioritise returning mission schools to religious institutions as soon as he became governor.
The governmental authorities took over schools during the previous military administrations, stated he.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Saturday, July 04, 2026, noted President Tinubu said: “I appreciate the Pope. It was an honour for me to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration as Pope Leo XIV.
“It was a moment of history. I see his efforts all over the world to promote World Peace.”
He stated: “We need his spiritual engagement, as millions around the world look up to him. I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria.”
Tinubu said: “My administration will continue to work on religious harmony among all faiths.
“Our Bishops and religious leaders have been doing a great deal.
“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.
The President stated: “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 in Nigeria, and the country is _benefiting from it.
The President further said: “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.
“This downplays the religious connotation that the religious controversy in our country might have taken.”
He as well assured his cleric guest that the Nigerian Military has made significant progress in recent times.
He restated that the Armed Forces remain committed to sustaining these achievements, recognising that a single incident can undermine previous gains.
More resources are being allocated to security, with intensified surveillance, particularly in previously ungoverned areas, said the President.
Tinubu assured the Archbishop that his administration is also investing in youths to prevent their exploitation by terrorists and reduce vulnerability to radicalisation.
Nigeria very strategic to vibrant Catholic community
In his remarks during the visit to President Tinubu, 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.
The cleric noted that Nigeria is very strategic to the Catholic Church because of its vibrant Catholic community.
Besides, Archbishop Gallagher conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation for President Tinubu’s presence at his inauguration.
He equally shared his impressions of Veritas University, established by the Catholic community in Abuja, and noted the institution’s remarkable progress.
The Archbishop, therefore, described Nigeria as the heart of Africa and home to some of the most successful activities of Bishops on the continent.
He commended President Tinubu’s efforts at promoting peace, particularly through military initiatives, and encouraged continued dedication.
The visiting cleric as well expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Government for facilitating visas for bishops, and for its responsiveness to the Church’s various needs.
Archbishop Gallagher informed President Tinubu that he looked forward to receiving the Nigerian Ambassador to the Holy See in a few weeks.
He assured the President that this visit would be the first of several special visits from the Holy See.
Accompanying Archbishop Gallagher to the State House were H. E. Archbishop Michael F. Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria; Rev. Monsignor Suman Paul Anthony, Official of the Secretariat of State – Section for Relations with States and International Organisations; and Rev. Monsignor Patarne Koyassambia-Kozondo, First Secretary, Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria, the statement added.