The Northern Christian Association has called on the Federal Government to clarify what it described as a significant imbalance in the allocation of funds for church and mosque projects in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, saying the disparity raises questions about fairness and equal treatment.
According to The Punch, the association said it had no objection to government funding for religious initiatives but maintained that such spending should strictly adhere to constitutional principles of equity, transparency and justice.
In a statement released on Monday, the association’s Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said available reports showed that about N1.91bn was budgeted for seven church-related projects, while roughly N6.14bn was earmarked for 52 mosque-related projects in the 2026 budget.
According to the NCA, the allocation has heightened concerns among many Christians over what it described as a continuing pattern of unequal treatment and selective implementation of government policies.
Hayab said, “How long will Nigerians continue to read stories that expose the hypocrisy of our leaders?
“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.”
He added that Christians had consistently exercised restraint in the interest of peace and national unity, but successive administrations had often interpreted that patience as a sign of weakness.
The association said repeated instances of perceived inconsistency in governance had deepened public concerns, warning that allegations of discrimination and double standards were undermining trust in government and weakening national cohesion.
“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,” Hayab said.
The NCA emphasised that its position should not be viewed as opposition to either Islam or Christianity, nor to government partnerships with faith-based organisations, but as an appeal for fairness in the allocation of public funds.
It argued that where public resources are devoted to religious projects, the process should be transparent, balanced and free from any perception that one faith enjoys preferential treatment over 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 added.
The association also urged the Federal Government to reassess the allocations in line with constitutional provisions on fairness, equity and equal treatment, insisting that budgetary decisions should foster national unity and reinforce public confidence in the government’s impartiality.
