- PREAMBLE
The Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria, known in Hausa as Tarayyar Ekklesiyoyin Kristi a Najeriya (TEKAN), which has been in existence since 1955 (over 70 years) with about 35 million members across 15 denominational churches with traceable evangelical ancestry, theological affinity and Christian belief, held its Annual General Assembly at the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST-URCC) Headquarters in Mkar-Gboko, Benue State, from 6th-11th January 2026. The following member denominations were in attendance: - Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)
- Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST – URCC)
- Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN)
- United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN)
- The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN)
- Christian Reformed Church in Nations (CRC-N)
- Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ (ERCC)
- Reformed Church of Christ for Nations (RCCN)
- Mambila Baptist Convention of Nigeria (MBCN)
- Evangelical Church of Christ in Nigeria (ECCN)
- United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN – HEKAN)
- Nigeria Reformed Church (NRC)
- All Nations Christian Assembly (ANCA)
- United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA)
- Christian Evangelical Fellowship of Nations (CEFN) hereinafter referred to as “the Assembly”.
- THEME AND ATTENDANCE
The 70thAssembly was held under the theme “Rooted in Christ for the Renewal of the Nations” (Colossians 2:6-7) which emphasized the need for the church to actively engage the world with renewing life in Christ. It had in attendance the President of TEKAN; Rev. Joel Billi, Executive Council Members, members of the Board of Trustees, Advisers, Presidents and General Secretaries of member denominations, delegates, The Tor Tiv, HRM Prof James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse and his entourage and other invited dignitaries.
The Assembly, in addition to enriching worship services and admonitions on the need for sacrificial love and relationship, resolves to be committed to intense discipleship and effective training in our seminaries which are the seedbed for growing leadership for the churches.
- CONDOLENCES
The Assembly expresses heartfelt condolences to TEKAN Member Churches who lost their loved ones after the last General Assembly among whom are the former head of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria and the former President of TEKAN, the late Archbishop Nemuel A. Babba, late Nelson Jebes, TEKAN Trustee, former President of ECCN, and a host of others who are not mentioned here.
- COMMENDATION
The Assembly commends the Federal Government for partnering with her foreign governments in tackling the insecurity that has bedevilled Nigeria.
- ELECTION OF TEKAN LEADERSHIP: The Assembly unanimously
elected the following leaders of TEKAN:
- TEKAN President – Rev Musa Panti Filibus, PhD, OFR
- TEKAN Vice-President- Rev. Dr. Nendaga Asongo Adure
- TEKAN Assistant General Secretary- Rev. Dr. Victor Audu
- TEKAN Treasurer- Dr. Mrs. Justina Dama
- SECURITY
- The Assembly is outraged and utterly condemns the continuous murders and destruction of properties of her numerous members and innocent Nigerians around the country by Fulani Herdsmen and other terrorists groups. The Assembly greatly appreciates the courageous services of security men and women who are daily standing in harm’s way to ensure our safety. At the same time, the Assembly calls on the Federal Government to do more within its constitutional mandate to ensure that these heinous acts are brought to an end.
- The Assembly strongly condemns the brutal killings of over 200 Christians in Yelwata, Benue State, the killings in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State, the incessant crises that has plagued Takum, Ussa and Yangtu Development Area among so many other attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
- The Assembly is most saddened that the security situation in Nigeria, a country that used to coexist peacefully, has deteriorated to a point that the U.S government has labelled Nigeria to be a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). The Assembly calls on the Federal Government to intensify her fight against terrorism. The government should also apprehend the perpetrators, their sponsors and bring them to justice.
- NEW TAX LAWS
The Assembly is deeply concerned about the new tax laws introduced by the Federal Government. The Assembly views the new tax laws as a deliberate attempt to weaken the economic power of the citizenry through padding. The Assembly calls on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to revisit and review the new tax reform Act.
- STATE OF THE ECONOMY
The Assembly appreciates the Federal Government drive to incorporate religious-economic policies into her economic framework. However, the Assembly is concerned that the implementation of such economic policies like the Halal economy will not be in the interest of the secular, multi-cultural and multi religious climate of Nigeria.
- 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS
In view of the forth coming 2027 general elections, the Assembly calls on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to expedite action on the amendment of the Electoral Act to include mandatory electronic transmission of election results. In addition, the Assembly calls on her members to ensure they actively participate and vote in the forth-coming elections by voting credible candidates.
- FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S AGRICULTURAL REFORMS
While commending the Federal Government for the improvement we are witnessing in the agricultural sector, the Assembly calls on the Federal Government to subsidize farming inputs (pesticides and fertilizers) in order to encourage farmers amidst dwindling market prices.
- CONCLUSION
The Assembly extends heartfelt thanks to the host community of NKST Mkar-Gboko for their unwavering support, security personnel and staff for ensuring safety and order. In addition, the assembly appreciates donors and volunteers whose generosity made the conference possible. As we conclude, we give thanks and praise to Almighty God for successful deliberations and pray for the grace of God to bring us home safely and enable us implement key resolutions of the Assembly to the glory of His name. Amen.
Rev Joel Billi Rev Augustine Akawu Elisha
President General Secretary