2026 Budget: Northern Christians Question N8.05bn Religious Projects Allocation

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has questioned the federal government over what it described as a glaring disparity in the allocation of N8.05 billion for church and mosque projects in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The association said while it was not opposed to government support for religious projects, such interventions must be guided by the constitutional principles of justice, transparency and equal treatment rather than actions capable of creating the impression of discrimination or preferential treatment.

The NCA in a statement signed by its chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, on Monday, said reports indicated that the 2026 Appropriation Bill allocated about N1.91 billion to seven church-related projects, compared to N6.14 billion earmarked for 52 mosque-related projects.

It said the disparity had reinforced concerns among many Christians over what it described as a persistent pattern of unequal treatment, selective implementation of government policies and double standards in public affairs.

According to the association, Christians in Nigeria have continued to exercise restraint and tolerance in the interest of national peace and unity, but regretted that governments at different levels have repeatedly interpreted such patience as weakness.

The NCA maintained that Nigerians had 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 association therefore called on the federal government to publicly explain the basis for the disparity in the allocations, insisting that every Nigerian deserves equal treatment under the Constitution, irrespective of religious affiliation.

“How long will Nigerians continue to read stories that expose the hypocrisy of our leaders?” Hayab asked.

“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.

“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.”

NCA stressed 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, equity and transparency in the implementation of public policies.

The association maintained that if government considers it necessary to support religious projects with public funds, such interventions should reflect fairness, transparency and balance without creating the perception that one faith is accorded greater recognition than 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 association further urged the federal government to review the allocations in line with the constitutional principles of fairness, equity and equal treatment, insisting that public policies and budgetary decisions should promote national unity and reinforce citizens’ confidence in the impartiality of government.