Christian leaders from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have formally adopted a new identity, unveiling the Forum of Northern Christians (FNC), also known as the Northern Christian Association, in a move aimed at clarifying its mandate while reaffirming loyalty to the national Christian body.
The decision was reached on Thursday in Kaduna during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by chairmen from the northern states and FCT, their secretaries, and representatives of youth and women wings. The gathering also marked the first anniversary in office of the northern chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab.
Previously referred to as Northern CAN, the leaders said the description often caused confusion about its relationship with the national Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Addressing journalists, Hayab emphasized that the change represents a return to history, not a breakaway.
He traced the association’s roots to 1964 in Kaduna, when it operated as the Northern Christian Association before evolving into the national body in 1976. Hayab said the revived name restores the original identity while maintaining full allegiance to CAN under its President, Daniel Okoh.
“We are CAN. We are Christians, and we remain members of CAN,” Hayab said, stressing that the forum seeks only a clearer regional identity to address issues affecting Christians in Northern Nigeria.
The word “Nigeria” was deliberately excluded from the revived name to avoid confusion with the national structure and to show respect to the mother body. The Forum has now been fully registered and incorporated as the Forum of Northern Christians and the FCT.
Hayab outlined key priorities for the body, including religious freedom, access to education, shortages of Christian Religious Knowledge teachers, and limited admission opportunities for Christian children in some northern states. He emphasized the goal of ensuring equal citizenship, respect, and opportunities for Christians in the region.
Providing historical context, Samuel Salifu, the first General Secretary of Northern CAN, recalled that the Northern Christian Association was founded in 1964 and became the national Christian umbrella body in 1976 under the military administration of Olusegun Obasanjo. He noted that the late Interior Minister, Shehu Shagari, formalized its registration at the time.
Salifu explained that the current name change was prompted by misconceptions that the regional body operated in opposition to CAN.
“There was never a Northern CAN as a separate entity from CAN,” he said, adding that the new registration clarifies its position within the national framework.
Elder cleric Rev. Emmanuel Dziggau described the 1964 formation as a response to the challenges facing Christians in the region and urged current leaders to remain committed to justice and equity.
In a virtual address, Yusuf Turaki highlighted insecurity across Northern Nigeria, citing kidnappings, displacement, and destruction of livelihoods affecting many Christian communities. He urged the Forum to continue advocating for lawful and constitutional measures to protect vulnerable groups.
Stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed loyalty to CAN’s national leadership and pledged ongoing collaboration with the central body while maintaining a clearly defined regional structure. They also expressed appreciation to past leaders for their contributions to Christian leadership in Northern Nigeria.
The leaders concluded that the adoption of the Forum of Northern Christians is intended to provide clarity of purpose rather than create division, stressing their commitment to justice, equality, and peaceful coexistence within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
