Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Northern Christian Association has expressed serious concern over what it described as a glaring disparity in the allocation of approximately N8.05 billion for church and mosque projects in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, warning that the imbalance raises fundamental questions about equity, fairness, and equal treatment of all Nigerians regardless of their religious affiliation. In a statement issued on Monday, July 20, 2026, the association's Chairman, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, said available details from the proposed budget indicate that about N1.91 billion was earmarked for seven church-related projects, while approximately N6.14 billion was allocated to 52 mosque-related projects, a disparity that has reinforced concerns among many Christians over what the association described as a persistent pattern of unequal treatment and selective implementation of government policies.
The NCA stressed that it is not opposed to government support for religious projects, but insisted 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. According to the association, 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. The body 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 therefore 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. Reverend Hayab queried, "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 further noted that the 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, adding that the government should not be seen to promote policies that suggest preferential treatment for one religious group over another.
The association clarified 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 NCA, 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. The association further urged the Federal Government to review the allocations 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. "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 concluded.
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