Northern Christian Leaders Drop ‘CAN’ Label, Return to Original 1964 Name

Christian leaders from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have adopted a new regional identity, replacing the “Northern CAN” label with the Forum of Northern Christians, formally known as the Northern Christian Association (NCA).

The decision was reached at a two-day stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna attended by state chairmen, secretaries, and representatives of youth and women groups across the region. The meeting coincided with the first anniversary of Rev. Joseph Hayab as Northern chairman.

Leaders said the change was intended to remove longstanding confusion over the relationship between the regional body and the national Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). They stressed that the new name does not signal a separation from the national organisation.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Hayab said the move reflects a return to the group’s historical roots. He explained that the Northern Christian Association was first established in Kaduna in 1964 before evolving into the national CAN structure in 1976.

According to him, retaining a distinct regional identity will enable Northern Christian leaders to speak more clearly on issues affecting their communities while remaining part of CAN. He added that the deliberate exclusion of “Nigeria” from the revived name was to avoid overlap with the national body.

Hayab disclosed that the Forum of Northern Christians and the FCT has now been formally registered and incorporated. He said the restructuring aims to improve coordination and advocacy within the region.

The association outlined key areas of focus, including religious freedom, access to education, shortages of Christian Religious Knowledge teachers, and what it described as unequal admission opportunities for Christian students in parts of the North. Hayab said the group would prioritise engagement to ensure equal rights and participation for Christians in the region.

Providing historical context, Engr. Samuel Salifu, identified as the first General Secretary of Northern CAN, said the 1964 formation of the Northern Christian Association was driven by the need for Christians in the North to organise collectively. He noted that the body later became part of a unified national platform in 1976 when Christian leaders agreed to operate under CAN.

Salifu added that the formal registration process was completed during the military administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, with documentation handled by the late Interior Minister, Shehu Shagari. He maintained that there had never been a separate Northern CAN entity distinct from the national structure.

Other speakers at the meeting urged the leadership to remain focused on justice and equity. In a virtual address, Prof. Yusuf Turaki cited insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria, pointing to cases of kidnapping, displacement, and property destruction affecting Christian communities.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to the national CAN leadership and pledged continued collaboration under the newly clarified regional framework.