The Abia State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has criticized a new tax policy that imposes charges on church signposts.
The tax was introduced by the government of Governor Alex Otti.
In a letter addressed to Governor Otti, Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma, the chairman of CAN in Abia, and its secretary, Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, expressed their disappointment.
They stated that Abia is the only state in Nigeria demanding such a tax from churches.
“On behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, we write to express our displeasure over the State Government’s policy of compelling churches to pay taxes on their signposts,” CAN wrote. They added that this policy could make Christians in Abia see the administration as “anti-church.”
CAN called on the governor to reconsider the policy, noting that Abia is known as “God’s own state,” and Christians should not be taxed for their signposts.
The association also requested a roundtable meeting with the government to discuss the issue. Despite the disagreement, CAN reaffirmed its overall support for the state government.
“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,” the letter concluded.
