The Chairman of Nigeria Christian Youths in Politics (NCYP), Niger state chapter, Evang. Marcus Dobiya Salka, has called for balanced political appointments in the state, ahead of the next general elections. Salka emphasized the need for equity, justice, and fairness in political appointments, citing the large Christian population in the state. He noted that despite making up 45.7% of the state's population, Christians have suffered denials, discriminations, and deprivations during previous administrations.
According to Salka, the Christian population in Niger state stands at approximately 3,417,636, out of a total population of 7,478,417. He attributed the displacement of Christians in some areas to insecurity, particularly in Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Rafi, Wushishi, and Magama local government areas. Salka accused Governor Umaru Bago of placing emphasis on a particular religion over others, leading to unequal representations in job placements, political appointments, and admissions into public institutions.
Salka, who is also the Chairman of the Christian Statistics Verification Committee set up by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, said the committee's data was aimed at correcting inaccurate projections of Christian population circulating on social media. He stated that the 45.7% figure was an estimate based on available demographic projections, surveys, and research carried out in 2025. Salka emphasized that Christians are not absent from politics, but rather, they have trusted non-Christians to represent them, only to be disappointed.
The Christian youths in politics leader noted that the size of the Christian population should not be judged by their level of participation in active politics. He argued that Christians make up a significant population in Niger state and will not keep quiet while others assume figures for their selfish interests. Salka also linked changes in the distribution of Christian communities to prolonged insecurity in parts of the state, which has led to unprecedented deaths and displacement of residents.
Salka alleged that some Christians have been forced to relocate while others were killed, describing the development as a factor that has affected their demographic distribution. Despite the displacement, the group maintained that Christians remained present across both rural and urban communities in the state. Niger state population has increased substantially, with 2025 projections indicating 7,478,417 people, comprising 3,790,197 males and 3,688,220 females.
Christians in Niger state are spread across the state's 25 local government areas and represent various denominations, including Roman Catholics, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and African Instituted churches. The Christian blocs identified by the group include the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), TEKAN, and ECWA-related fellowships.
The group vowed to continue challenging what it considers inaccurate representations of Christian population in Niger state, drawing the attention of relevant authorities to the reality that must be accepted. Salka emphasized that the committee's data was aimed at putting records straight and correcting mistakes of inaccurate projections, particularly those circulating on social media.
Key points
- Christian youths in Niger state demand balanced political appointments, citing 45.7% Christian population.
- The Christian population in Niger state stands at approximately 3,417,636, out of a total population of 7,478,417.
- Insecurity has led to displacement of Christians in some areas, affecting their demographic distribution.
