“A thing of concern”: Catholic Priest in Nigeria Raises Alarm Over Faith-Based Housing Discrimination in Adamawa State

The Nigerian Catholic Priest cautioned that allowing such divisions to take root could have long-term implications for social cohesion, drawing attention to historical experiences elsewhere. “We used to hear these things from far places like Rwanda, where there was polarization and division based on ethnic and religious profiling,” he noted.

Fr. Kwairanga emphasized the importance of addressing emerging concerns through dialogue, understanding, and a renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence among communities in Adamawa State, which is home to people of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.

He explained that while Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution clearly prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion or ethnicity, enforcement remains weak in private housing arrangements.

“There is no formal structure; most of these transactions are between the landlord and the tenant. You see a notice, you call the number, you go there ready to pay, but then they ask you what your religion is, and people have been denied accommodation because of that,” he said. 

The Nigerian Catholic official also described such actions as morally wrong and unconstitutional. 

“We are human beings created in the image and dignity of God,” he said and continued, “That dignity is also protected by the constitution, which is supreme over any other law, including religious or cultural considerations.”

JDPC, he said, is calling on the Adamawa State Government and the House of Assembly to enact specific legislation that would create a public complaints mechanism for tenancy discrimination.

“If you are turned away because of your faith, you should have the right to report it, and the law should take its course,” he said.

Beyond housing, Fr. Kwairanga warned that discrimination based on faith has implications for national security. He noted that similar biases already affect access to schools, land ownership, and business opportunities.

“There are shops left empty simply because the owner does not want someone of another faith to rent them; this is a clear indication that all is not well, not just in Adamawa State but in other parts of Nigeria,” the Catholic Priest said.

He linked these attitudes to narratives that blame Christians for international sanctions or criticism of Nigeria. 

“Some people believe Christians are the ones reporting Nigeria to America or the EU,” he said, describing such beliefs as “dangerous and divisive.”

Fr. Kwairanga warned landlords that the law would eventually catch up with them. He announced plans for JDPC to formally petition the Adamawa State House of Assembly and urged Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to act swiftly.

“Land belongs to the government. The same government can take it back if discrimination continues,” the Catholic Priest said.

He emphasized that denying people housing based on religion damages Adamawa’s image and undermines its development. 

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“This must stop, for the sake of peace, justice, and the future of our state,” Fr. Kwairanga said.

Reflecting on Christian persecution in Nigeria, Fr. Kwairanga described the situation as a “genocide.”

Fr. Kwairanga welcomed what he described as strong actions by the United States against insurgents, saying it has helped to curb hate speech and extremist rhetoric online.

“I say without fear of contradiction, there is Christian genocide in Nigeria. Christians are discriminated against and eliminated in some parts of the country,” he said.

He added that renewed international attention has forced a reduction in openly inflammatory preaching and online incitement following the 2023 elections.

The Nigerian Catholic Priest further stated that religious leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society groups must speak out and create awareness.