Northern Christian Leaders Adopt New Identity as Northern Christian Association, Drop ‘CAN’ Title to Strengthen Unity Amid Genocide Concerns
Ademola Busayo 
Christian leaders from Nigeria’s 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have formally adopted a new identity as the Northern Christian Association, dropping the previous designation of “Northern CAN” in a move designed to clarify their regional mandate and strengthen advocacy on local issues.
The decision was announced following a two-day stakeholders’ meeting held in Kaduna, which also marked the first anniversary in office of the Northern Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab.
The gathering brought together chairmen from the 19 northern states and the FCT, along with secretaries and representatives from youth and women wings.
Leaders emphasised that the change represents a return to the group’s historical roots rather than a separation from the national Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The Northern Christian Association was originally founded in Kaduna in 1964, before it evolved into the broader national body established in 1976.
Rev. Hayab explained that retaining “Northern CAN” had frequently led to confusion regarding the relationship with the national structure.
By reviving the original name—often abbreviated as NCA—and deliberately excluding “Nigeria” from the title, the group aims to avoid any misunderstanding while preserving full allegiance to CAN under its national president, Bishop Daniel Okoh.
“The revived name restores our original identity while maintaining full allegiance to CAN,” Rev. Hayab stated.
“We remain members of CAN. There is no quarrel with the national body. Any contrary impression is a misunderstanding.”
The newly incorporated Forum of Northern Christians, also known as the Northern Christian Association, intends to focus specifically on challenges confronting Christians in northern Nigeria.
These include religious freedom, access to education, the shortage of Christian Religious Knowledge teachers, and concerns over admission opportunities for Christian children in certain institutions.
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to unity within the wider Christian community, justice, and equal citizenship for all Nigerians, stressing that the rebranding is intended to enable more effective regional representation without undermining national cohesion.
The announcement has drawn varied reactions on social media, with some users welcoming a clearer northern voice on issues such as insecurity and marginalisation, while others express concern over potential fragmentation within the church.
Several reports indicate the move has been registered formally to support its operational focus going forward.
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Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 
Ayo Marvel 