Christian leaders in Niger State have estimated that the Christian population in the state stands at 3.42 million, representing 45.7% of the projected population. This estimate was made by the Christians Statistics Committee and Nigeria Christian Youths in Politics at a press conference in Minna on Sunday. The committee's chairman, Deacon Marcus Salka, stated that the estimate was based on available demographic projections, surveys, and research.
The estimate was derived from the 2025 projected population of 7,478,417 for Niger State. According to Salka, the Christian population is approximately 3,417,636. He argued that the size of the Christian population should not be judged by the level of participation in active politics, stating that Christians make up a significant population in Niger State. Salka also noted that Nigeria's last official population census did not include religious affiliation.
The Christian leaders cited prolonged insecurity in parts of the state as a factor that has altered the distribution of Christian communities. Specifically, they mentioned Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Rafi, Wushishi, and Magama, alleging that attacks had led to deaths and displacement of residents from communities with significant Christian populations. Salka alleged that some Christians had been forced to relocate while others were killed.
The displacement was part of a deliberate attempt to reduce the Christian population in affected communities, according to the Christian leaders. Despite the displacement, Christians remained present across both rural and urban communities in the state. Salka further cited the 2006 census population of 3,950,249 for Niger State, comprising 2,032,725 males and 1,917,524 females.
The population of Niger State had increased substantially, with the 2025 state projection standing at 7,478,417, comprising 3,790,197 males and 3,688,220 females. The chairman stated that Christians were spread across the state's 25 local government areas and represented by various Christian denominations, including Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and African Instituted churches.
The Christian blocs identified by the group included the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches, TEKAN, and ECWA-related fellowships. Salka said the group's estimate put Christians at 45.7%, compared with approximately 46.1% and 8.2% for the other two major religious categories.
The group said it would continue to challenge what it considers inaccurate representations of the Christian population in Niger State. Salka stressed that the figure was an estimate and not a religious breakdown from an official national census. The group vowed not to keep quiet and allow others to project or assume figures for them for selfish interests.
Key points
- Christian leaders estimate 3.42 million Christians in Niger State, 45.7% of population
- Insecurity and displacement have altered distribution of Christian communities
- Christian leaders challenge inaccurate population projections
