Nigeria, Holy See Reaffirm Commitment to Peace, Stronger Bilateral Relations
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding diplomatic relations with the Holy See, describing the partnership as one built on shared values of peace, dialogue, human dignity, religious harmony and sustainable development.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the commitment while receiving the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, during a courtesy visit in Abuja on Monday.
The Minister noted that the visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, describing the milestone as an opportunity to reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting peace, international cooperation and intercultural dialogue.
She commended the Catholic Church for its contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding and community development, noting that the Church has continued to play a significant role in fostering social cohesion and improving the well-being of communities across the country.
During the meeting, both parties discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, including Nigeria’s security situation and its impact on citizens and faith-based institutions.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to improve national security through increased recruitment of security personnel, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and sustained measures aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring an enabling environment for religious freedom and socio-economic development.
In his remarks, Archbishop Gallagher acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa and commended the government’s efforts to tackle security challenges. He reaffirmed the Holy See’s readiness to continue partnering with Nigeria in advancing peace, justice, reconciliation, social cohesion and humanitarian cooperation.
The discussions also emphasised the role of religious institutions in promoting moral values, national unity, youth development and interfaith dialogue.
Both sides stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among government, faith-based organisations and civil society in fostering peaceful coexistence and countering violent extremism.
Archbishop Gallagher praised the vibrancy of the Catholic Church in Nigeria and expressed appreciation for the growing contributions of Nigerian clergy and diplomats within the Holy See. He also welcomed the increasing Nigerian diplomatic and ecclesiastical presence at the Vatican, expressing confidence that it would further strengthen bilateral relations.
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the Holy See in areas of mutual interest, expressing optimism that the enduring partnership would continue to support regional peace, humanitarian initiatives, intercultural understanding and global efforts to promote human dignity and sustainable development.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the state of bilateral relations and pledged to deepen cooperation for the mutual benefit of Nigeria and the Holy See.
