Tinubu pledges stronger partnership with religious leaders to promote peace

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with religious leaders to promote peace, harmony and tolerance across Nigeria.

The President made the pledge on Saturday while receiving Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, at his residence in Abuja. The Vatican envoy was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu.

Tinubu said his administration would continue to encourage religious leaders to preach peace and foster unity among Nigerians, regardless of their faith.

“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,” the President said.

He also reaffirmed his support for the Catholic Church’s role in education, healthcare and humanitarian services, recalling that as governor of Lagos State he prioritised the return of mission schools to their original owners after they had been taken over during military rule.

Tinubu praised Pope Leo XIV’s global peace initiatives and said he looked forward to welcoming the pontiff to Nigeria after leading the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration.

The President also highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve national security, saying the military had recorded significant gains against insecurity. He said more resources were being deployed to strengthen surveillance, particularly in previously ungoverned areas, while investments in youth development were aimed at preventing recruitment into terrorist groups and reducing the risk of radicalisation.

Addressing concerns about religious freedom, Tinubu said his government remained committed to guaranteeing freedom of worship across the country.