Christians Claim Almost Half of Niger State Population.

By YM Bina

Niger State Christian leaders have revealed that out of the 7,478,417 population projected, Christians are 3,417,636 representing 45.7% almost half of the population in the state.

The Chairman of the Christian Statistics Committee set up by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Evangelist Marcus Salka said the essence of the data was to correct what it described as inaccurate projections of the Christian population, particularly those circulating on social media.

Salka who is also Chairman of Nigeria Christian Youths in Politics, Niger state Chapter alongside his Secretary Barde Jesse spoke at a press briefing in Minna.

He said after gathering data, the Christians are reportedly 45.7 percent, compared with approximately 46.1% and 8.2 percent for the other two religious categories in the State.

It should be recalled that the 2006 census population of 3,950,249 for Niger State, comprised of 2,032,725 males and 1,917,524 females.

Salka noted that, Nigeria’s last official population census however did not include religious affiliation, making the 45.7 percent figure an estimate based on available demographic projections, surveys and research carried out since 2025.

Accordingly, he said “the estimation was derived from the 2025 projected population of 7,478,417 for Niger State by the Niger state Bureau of Statistics, thereby putting the Christian population at approximately 3,417,636.

He linked changes in the distribution of Christian communities to prolonged insecurity in parts of the state.

The group chairman specifically 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.

He alleged that some Christians had been forced to relocate while others were killed, describing the development as a factor that had affected the demographic distribution of Christians.

Salka however vowed that the Committee would continue to challenge what it considers inaccurate representations of the Christian population in Niger State.