The Northern Christian Association has called on the Federal Government to explain what it described as a significant disparity in the allocation of about N8,050,000,000 for church and mosque projects in the proposed 2026 Appropriation Bill, saying the distribution raises concerns about fairness and equal treatment.
In a statement issued on Monday, the chairman of the association, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said while the group was not opposed to government funding for religious projects, such allocations must reflect the constitutional principles of equity, justice, and transparency.
According to the association, reports indicate that about N1,910,000,000 has been earmarked for seven church-related projects, while approximately N6,140,000,000 is proposed for 52 mosque-related projects in the 2026 budget.
Hayab said the disparity had reinforced longstanding concerns among Christians over what he described as unequal treatment and selective implementation of government policies.
Hayab asked, “How long will Nigerians continue to read stories that expose the hypocrisy of our leaders?”.
He argued that partiality and the absence of fairness in public policy had contributed to division, distrust, and weakened national unity.
Hayab stated, “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,”.
The cleric added that Christians had consistently exercised restraint in the interest of peace and national cohesion, but warned that successive governments had often interpreted that patience as weakness.
The association said perceived discrimination and double standards in governance were eroding public confidence, stressing that the Constitution guarantees equality before the law regardless of religious affiliation.
Hayab stated, “Government should, therefore, not be seen to promote policies that suggest preferential treatment for one religious group over another,”.
The association clarified that its position was not an attack on Islam, Christianity, or government collaboration with faith-based organisations, but rather a call for fairness in the distribution of public resources.
It maintained that if public funds are allocated to religious projects, the process should be transparent, balanced, and free from any perception that one faith enjoys preferential treatment.
The association urged the Federal Government to explain the allocations and review them in line with constitutional principles of fairness, equity, and equal treatment, insisting that budgetary decisions should strengthen national unity and public trust in government institutions
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