Primate Okoh insists churches mustn’t pay tax

Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, has said churches in the country would not pay tax because of their contributions to national development.

Okoh who is also the Anglican Bishop of Abuja, noted that in spite of huge contributions of the church to the nation, in terms of development, it had received nothing from government.

He said this while fielding questions from newsmen at the 8th convocation and graduation ceremony of Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta, Ogun State, an affiliate of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.

He said: “Every month, year, government receives money. Recently the Paris Club Refund was shared; nothing came to religious quarters. Have you heard where they shared money to churches in Nigeria? They have not done so.

“The church has contributed a lot towards the nation’s development. The education sector, civil service, judiciary, among other sectors, have benefitted from the church.”

Bishop and Rector of the seminary, Right Reverend (Professor) Andrew Igbenoza, said the school had produced 196 graduands from various departments as: Bachelor of Theology (PGD. TH.) – 47; Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (Ordination) – 10; Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (Academic) – 2; Postgraduate Diploma in Religious Studies – 6; Master of Missions Degree – 6; Master of Divinity Degree – 36. There were also graduates with Master of Theology Degree – 59; Master of Arts Degree – 27; Doctor of Ministry Degree – 6, and Doctor of Philosophy Degree – 13.