The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has raised alarm over what it described as religious exclusivity in the choice of venues for the December 2025 Nigerian Passport Intervention Exercise in the United Kingdom.
In a press statement signed by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, MPAC said it was deeply concerned that all the locations published by the Nigeria High Commission in London for the intervention exercise are either owned by, affiliated with, or historically linked to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
According to the organisation, the decision to use only church-affiliated premises for a national service is inappropriate in a religiously diverse country such as Nigeria, and within a Nigerian diaspora community that includes Muslims, Christians of various denominations and non-religious citizens.
“Public services of national importance must not, directly or indirectly, project religious bias. The pattern reflected in the published schedule is unmistakable, deeply troubling, and inconsistent with the constitutional and moral obligation of the Nigerian government to maintain religious neutrality,” the statement said.
The venues announced by the High Commission include RCCG (CRA) Perry Barr in Birmingham; Nigeria House Fallowfield in Manchester; RCCG Cardiff Metropolitan Tabernacle in Cardiff; Open Heavens Glasgow and Fountain of Love Glasgow, both linked to RCCG; RCCG Place of Victory in Swansea; and Jesus House Aberdeen, also affiliated with RCCG.
MPAC noted that even in cases where the RCCG name is not visibly attached to a venue, such as “Open Heavens Glasgow,” investigation still shows denominational ownership or affiliation.
“This approach, whether deliberate or the result of poor judgement, is deeply insensitive to Muslims and other Nigerians in the UK who should never be placed in a situation where they are required to enter a worship space of another faith in order to access a basic government service,” the group stated.
The organisation has therefore called on the Nigeria High Commission in London to immediately review and replace the selected venues with neutral and non-religious locations such as civic centres, council halls, school halls and community centres.
It further urged the High Commission to adopt a transparent, inclusive venue-selection policy that reflects Nigeria’s diversity and to engage a broader spectrum of Nigerian community groups in the UK, including Muslim organisations, neutral civic bodies and interfaith platforms.
MPAC also demanded clarification from the High Commission on how and why such a uniform pattern of venue selection occurred, and what measures would be put in place to prevent a recurrence.
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“Nigerians abroad already face enough challenges. Government services must not heighten those burdens or send messages of exclusion. National institutions must reflect the nation, not a denomination,” Kamor added.
MPAC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for fairness, justice and inclusiveness in the delivery of public services to all Nigerians, regardless of faith or background.
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