CAN reacts as Otti imposes tax on churches in Abia

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Abia State chapter has expressed its disapproval of a tax policy imposed on church signposts within the state.

NaijaOnPoint.com.ng (NOP) reports that Governor Alex Otti-led administration recently introduced a tax on churches for their signposts.

Expressing their concerns, the religious body highlighted the unique position of Abia as a Christian state, a state recognized as divinely favoured.

They found it unfortunate that Abia, a state with such a strong Christian identity, would be the sole state in Nigeria levying taxes on churches for their signposts.

The association, in a letter titled “Taxation of Church Signposts in Abia State,” dated October 22, 2024, and signed by the State CAN chairman, Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma, and the State CAN secretary, Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, called upon the Governor to reconsider this policy to prevent the perception that the state government is opposed to the Church.

The letter read: “We write to express our displeasure over the state government policy of compelling churches to be paying taxes on their signposts.

“As a Christian and God’s own state, it is regrettable that Abia State is the only state in the whole federation that is taxing churches on their signposts.

“We therefore passionately plead with your Excellency as a matter of urgency to carefully look into this matter and possibly rescind the policy to avoid compelling the body of Christ in the state from seeing the regime as anti-Church.

“Furthermore, leaders of the Christian body in the state can be invited for a roundtable discussion on the way forward over this very little but delicate issue.

“While looking forward to your favourable response, accept our esteemed assurances of our unalloyed support and prayers.”