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Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has received Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement posted on X on Sunday, describing the visit as a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the Vatican.
“Archbishop Gallagher’s visit is part of the commemorative engagements with church and government ahead of the 50th anniversary of Nigeria-Holy See diplomatic relations,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
Nigeria and the Vatican have maintained a strong bilateral relationship since 1976, paving the way for cooperation in areas including education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue.
According to the minister, Nigeria has more than 30 million Catholic faithful, 10,000 priests and the largest number of Catholic bishops on the African continent, reflecting the importance of its relationship with the Vatican.
As part of his itinerary, the Vatican’s top diplomat will visit educational institutions run in partnership with the Catholic Church and engage with religious and community leaders to promote peaceful coexistence.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the visit as particularly important as both countries celebrate five decades of formal diplomatic engagement.
She added that a reception to commemorate the golden jubilee and unveil a 50th-anniversary plaque would take place on Monday.
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received in audience Archbishop Paul R.Gallagher, who is the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See.
Archbishop Gallagher’s visit is part of the… pic.twitter.com/5qJxaDtPAU
— Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (@Ojukwu_Bianca) July 5, 2026
