Christian leaders from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have adopted a new identity, unveiling the Forum of Northern Christians, also known as the Northern Christian Association (NCA). The move aims to clarify their mandate and strengthen their regional voice.
The decision emerged from a two-day stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna, attended by chairmen, secretaries, and representatives of the youth and women wings from the Northern states and FCT. The meeting also marked the first anniversary in office of Northern Chairman Rev. Joseph Hayab, under whose leadership the change was formalised.
Previously referred to as Northern CAN, leaders said the name often caused confusion about their relationship with the national Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Addressing journalists, Hayab emphasised that the move was not a breakaway from the national body but a return to the group’s historical roots. He noted that the association was originally founded in 1964 as the Northern Christian Association before evolving into CAN in 1976.
“We are CAN. We are Christians, and we remain members of CAN. But when we speak on issues affecting Christians in Northern Nigeria, we believe we should have a distinct and clear identity. There is no quarrel with the national body,” Hayab said.
He added that the word “Nigeria” was deliberately excluded from the revived name to avoid confusion with the national structure and to show respect for the mother body. The Forum of Northern Christians and the FCT have now been fully registered and incorporated, strengthening regional coordination.
The forum plans to focus on issues affecting Christians in Northern Nigeria, including religious freedom, access to education, shortage of Christian Religious Knowledge teachers, and limited admission opportunities for Christian children in some areas.
“These are serious issues that demand focused attention. Our priority is to ensure that our people are treated as equal citizens, respected, and given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” Hayab said.
Providing historical context, Engr. Samuel Salifu, the first General Secretary of Northern CAN, said the 1964 formation of the Northern Christian Association was aimed at organising Christians in the region. The body later evolved into a national platform in 1976, under one umbrella as CAN.
Salifu noted that the registration process was completed during the administration of former military leader Olusegun Obasanjo, with the late Interior Minister Shehu Shagari formalising it.
“There was never a Northern CAN as a separate entity from CAN. To avoid confusion and unnecessary suspicion, the name has now been properly registered. We are together in CAN as one body,” he said.
Rev. Emmanuel Dziggau described the 1964 formation as a “struggle for survival,” urging the present leadership to uphold justice and equity. In a virtual address, elder statesman Prof. Yusuf Turaki lamented insecurity across Northern Nigeria, highlighting the kidnapping, displacement, and destruction faced by many Christian communities.
Turaki called on the Forum to continue advocating for lawful protection of vulnerable communities, while reaffirming loyalty to CAN and maintaining a clearly defined regional structure.
