The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has challenged the Federal Government to explain what it described as a glaring disparity in the allocation of about N8.05 billion for church and mosque projects in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
According to the NCA, the imbalance raises serious concerns about equity, fairness, and equal treatment of all Nigerians irrespective of their religious affiliation.
In a statement issued by its chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, on Monday, the association said it was not opposed to government support for religious projects, but stressed that such interventions must be guided by constitutional principles of justice, transparency, and equal treatment, rather than actions capable of creating the impression of discrimination or preferential treatment.
The association expressed concern over reports indicating that approximately N1.91 billion was earmarked for seven church-related projects, while about N6.14 billion was allocated to 52 mosque-related projects in the 2026 budget.
According to the NCA, “The disparity has reinforced concerns among many Christians over the persistent pattern of unequal treatment, selective implementation of government policies and double standards in public affairs.”
The association said Christians in Nigeria have continued to exercise restraint and tolerate many developments in the interest of national peace and unity, but regretted that governments at different levels have repeatedly interpreted such patience as weakness.
It maintained that Nigerians have continued to witness actions exposing inconsistencies in governance, warning that partiality, lack of equity, and unequal treatment of citizens remain major factors responsible for division, distrust, segregation, and the erosion of national unity.
The NCA also called on the Federal Government to openly explain the basis for the disparity in the allocations, insisting that every Nigerian deserves equal treatment under the Constitution, regardless of religious affiliation.
“How long will Nigerians continue to read stories that expose the hypocrisy of our leaders?” Hayab asked.
“The partiality, lack of equity and unequal treatment of citizens by government and political leaders are among the major factors responsible for division, distrust, segregation and the absence of genuine unity and love among Nigerians.
“Our Constitution recognises every Nigerian as equal before the law, while the teachings of all religions discourage unfair treatment of children, women, family members and fellow human beings. Government should, therefore, not be seen to promote policies that suggest preferential treatment for one religious group over another.”
The NCA stressed that its position should not be misconstrued as opposition to Islam, Christianity, or government engagement with faith-based organisations, but as a call for fairness and equity in the application of public policies.
According to the association, if the government considers it necessary to support religious projects with public funds, such support should reflect fairness, transparency, and balance, without creating the perception that one faith is accorded greater recognition than another.
“NCA is challenging the Federal Government to explain these abnormalities. Government should not establish a system that creates division among citizens or gives the impression that one religious community is more important than another. Instead, it should initiate programmes and policies that unite Nigerians and strengthen our collective national identity,” the statement said.
The association averred that every allocation should be reviewed in line with constitutional principles of fairness, equity, and equal treatment, insisting that public policies and budgetary decisions should promote national unity and reinforce the confidence of all citizens in the impartiality of government.