The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has challenged the Federal Government to explain the wide disparity in allocations for church and mosque projects in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, warning that the imbalance raises questions about equity and fairness.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, on Monday, the association said it is not against government support for religious projects. However, it insisted such interventions must follow constitutional principles of justice, transparency and equal treatment.
According to the NCA, about ₦1.91 billion was earmarked for seven church-related projects, while ₦6.14 billion was allocated to 52 mosque-related projects in the 2026 budget.
The total allocation for both stands at approximately ₦8.05 billion.
The association said the gap has reinforced concerns among Christians over what it described as a “persistent pattern of unequal treatment, selective implementation of policies and double standards in public affairs.”
The NCA said Nigerian Christians have continued to show restraint in the interest of national peace, but lamented that governments at different levels have repeatedly interpreted that patience as weakness.
“Partiality, lack of equity and unequal treatment of citizens by government remain major factors responsible for division, distrust, segregation and the erosion of national unity,” the statement said.
It called on the Federal Government to publicly explain the basis for the disparity, stressing 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.
“Our Constitution recognises every Nigerian as equal before the law, while the teachings of all religions discourage unfair treatment. Government should therefore not be seen to promote policies that suggest preferential treatment for one religious group over another.”
The association stressed that its position should not be misconstrued as opposition to Islam, Christianity or government engagement with faith-based organisations.
“If 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,” it stated.
“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 NCA urged that all budgetary allocations be reviewed in line with constitutional principles of fairness and equity to reinforce public confidence in the impartiality of government.
