The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has raised concerns over what it described as a lack of religious neutrality in the conduct of a Nigerian passport exercise in the United Kingdom, citing the use of venues affiliated with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
In a statement issued at the weekend, MPAC noted that nearly all locations selected for the exercise were churches either owned by or linked to the RCCG. The group said this arrangement has raised questions about inclusivity and equal treatment of Nigerians of different religious backgrounds living in the UK.
MPAC argued that passport enrolment is an official national service that should be conducted in neutral, non-religious spaces to avoid the perception of bias or exclusion. According to the group, locating such exercises predominantly in church premises may make some applicants uncomfortable or discourage participation by non-Christians.
The organisation further stated that if a similar exercise were conducted mainly in venues affiliated with Muslim organisations, it could attract significant controversy and negative media attention, stressing the need for consistent standards regardless of religious affiliation.
MPAC therefore urged the Nigerian High Commission in the UK to review the choice of venues for the exercise and ensure future arrangements reflect Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to religious neutrality, fairness and inclusivity.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian High Commission in the UK had not issued an official response to the concerns raised.