Northern Christian Association Voices Concerns Over Disparate Funding for Religious Projects
The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has urged the Federal Government to clarify what it describes as a significant inequity in the allocation of approximately R8.05 billion for church and mosque projects as outlined in the 2026 Appropriation Act. The association warns that this disparity threatens fairness and raises questions about the equitable treatment of Nigerians, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Call for Equitable Treatment in Religious Funding
While the NCA does not oppose government support for religious initiatives, it emphasizes that such interventions should adhere to constitutional values of justice, transparency, and equality. Policies perceived as discriminatory or favoring one group over another undermine the principles of fairness and inclusion, the association argues.
Budget Discrepancies Highlight Unequal Treatment
In a statement issued by its president, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, the NCA referenced a report indicating that roughly £1.91 billion was allocated to seven church-related initiatives in the 2026 budget, contrasted with £6.14 billion earmarked for 52 mosque-related projects. This funding imbalance has raised significant concerns among many Christians, who perceive it as part of a broader pattern of unequal treatment and selective policy enforcement by the government.
Concerns Over Government Interpretation of Resilience
The NCA pointed out that Christians nationwide have exercised remarkable self-restraint in the interest of maintaining national peace and unity. However, it lamented that successive governments may have misinterpreted this patience as a sign of weakness, further exacerbating divisions among the populace.
Warning Against Division and Mistrust
Hayab cautioned that actions perceived as biased or discriminatory could further deepen national rifts and erode public confidence in government institutions. He posed a critical question: how long will Nigerians tolerate the exposure of their leaders’ hypocrisy without addressing the core issues of bias and inequality?
Emphasis on Equal Treatment in Public Policy
The NCA articulated that despite the constitutional mandate recognizing all Nigerians as equal before the law, teachings across religious beliefs advocate against unfair treatment of individuals and communities. The association insists that the government must not endorse policies that create the appearance of preferential treatment based on religion.
Call for Transparent and Fair Distribution of Funds
The NCA clarified that its stance should not be seen as opposition to Islamic, Christian, or governmental support for faith-based organizations. Instead, it advocates for fairness and equal treatment in how public resources are allocated to religious projects. When taxpayer funds are utilized for religious purposes, they should be distributed in a transparent manner that neither favors nor diminishes the importance of any faith.
Request for Government Accountability and Review of Allocations
The NCA has called upon the Federal Government to address these discrepancies and avoid fostering divisions among the populace. It urges a reassessment of budgetary allocations in accordance with constitutional principles, advocating for measures that promote national unity and restore public trust in the impartiality of governmental actions.
