The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has called on the Federal Government to explain what it described as a wide disparity in the allocation of funds for church and mosque projects in the proposed 2026 Appropriation Bill, saying the distribution raises concerns over fairness and equal treatment.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 20, 2026, the association’s Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the NCA was not opposed to government funding of religious projects but insisted that such allocations must reflect the constitutional principles of equity, justice and transparency.
According to the association, about N8.05 billion has been earmarked for religious projects in the 2026 budget, with N1.91 billion allocated to seven church-related projects, while N6.14 billion is proposed for 52 mosque-related projects.
Hayab said the disparity has reinforced longstanding concerns among Christians over what he described as unequal treatment and selective implementation of government policies.
“How long will Nigerians continue to read stories that expose the hypocrisy of our leaders?” he asked.
He argued that perceived partiality and the absence of fairness in public policy have contributed to division, distrust and weakened national unity.
“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,” Hayab said.
The cleric added that Christians had consistently exercised restraint in the interest of peace and national cohesion, warning that successive governments had often mistaken that patience for weakness.
He stressed that perceived discrimination and double standards in governance were eroding public confidence, noting that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees equality before the law regardless of religion.
The association maintained that its position was not an attack on Islam, Christianity or government collaboration with faith-based organisations, but a call for fairness in the allocation of public resources.
It urged the Federal Government to explain the basis for the allocations and review them in line with the constitutional principles of equity, justice and equal treatment.
The NCA further insisted that if public funds are to be spent on religious projects, the allocation process must be transparent, balanced and free from any perception that one faith is receiving preferential treatment.
The association said budgetary decisions should promote national unity, strengthen public trust in government institutions and reflect fairness to all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious affiliation
