Christian leaders across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have officially adopted a new identity, unveiling the Forum of Northern Christians, also known as the Northern Christian Association (NCA) . The decision, taken at a two-day stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna, marks a return to the group’s historical roots, as it was originally founded as the Northern Christian Association in 1964 before evolving into the national Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 1976.
The leaders explained that the previous name, “Northern CAN,” often created confusion about its relationship with the national CAN structure. Rev. Joseph Hayab, the Northern Chairman, emphasized that this is not a breakaway from the national body but a clarification of mandate. “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,” he stated.
The newly registered forum will focus on challenges confronting Christians in Northern Nigeria, including:
· Religious freedom
· Access to education and shortage of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) teachers
· Limited admission opportunities for Christian children in some areas
· Insecurity, kidnappings, and displacement affecting Christian communities
The first General Secretary of Northern CAN, Engr. Samuel Salifu, provided historical background, noting that the 1964 formation was driven by the need for Christians in the region to organize themselves. He clarified that there was never a “Northern CAN” as a separate entity, and this rebranding eliminates confusion and unnecessary suspicion.
The leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to the national CAN leadership while pledging to maintain a clearly defined regional structure to advocate for justice, equity, and the protection of vulnerable communities.