Chairman of Northern Christian Association, Rev. Joseph John Hayab
Northern Christian Association (NCA) has called on the Federal Government to explain what it described as the wide disparity in allocations for church and mosque projects in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, saying the development raises concerns over equity and equal treatment of citizens.
The association said reports showing that about ₦1.91 billion was allocated to seven church-related projects, while ₦6.14 billion was earmarked for 52 mosque-related projects, had reinforced concerns among many Christians over what it termed unequal treatment in public affairs.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, the NCA said it was not opposed to government support for religious organisations, but insisted that such interventions should be guided by fairness, transparency and the constitutional principle of equality.
According to the association, government policies and budgetary decisions should not create the impression that one religious group enjoys preferential treatment over another.
Hayab said Christians had continued to exercise restraint in the interest of peace and national unity, but warned that such patience should not be mistaken for weakness.
He argued that partiality and unequal treatment by governments at different levels had continued to fuel division, distrust and weaken national cohesion.
“The Constitution recognises every Nigerian as equal before the law, while the teachings of all religions discourage injustice and unfair treatment.
“Government should therefore avoid policies that suggest preference for one religious group over another,” he said.
The NCA urged the Federal Government to disclose the criteria used in arriving at the allocations and review them in line with the constitutional principles of fairness, equity and justice.
It stressed that its position should not be interpreted as opposition to government engagement with faith-based organisations or to any religion, but as a call for balanced and transparent use of public funds.
The association added that if public resources are to be used for religious projects, such interventions should reflect fairness and promote national unity rather than deepen divisions among Nigerians.
