The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Abia state chapter, has rejected a tax policy for church signposts in the state.
The Christian body lamented that, as a Christian and God’s own state, it is regrettable that Abia is the only state in Nigeria that is taxing churches on their signposts.
In a letter titled ‘Taxation of church signposts in Abia State,’ dated October 22, 2024, signed by the State CAN chairman and State CAN secretary, Rev Ojo Ojo Uduma and Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, respectively, the group urged the Governor to rescind the policy to avoid compelling Christians in the state from seeing the state government as anti-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.”
