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The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has asked the federal government to provide clarification on what it described as the disparity in the allocation of around ₦8.05 billion budget for church and mosque-related projects contained in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
The association said the concern is not about government support for religious institutions, but the need to ensure that such interventions reflect the constitutional principles of fairness, equity and equal treatment of all Nigerians regardless of religious affiliation. Project reports
According to the NCA, public trust in government policies is strengthened when allocations are seen as transparent, balanced and capable of promoting national unity rather than creating a perception of exclusion or preferential treatment.
The association’s position is contained in a statement signed Monday by its president, Rev. Joseph John Hayab.
The budget data raise concerns
The association said details available from the proposed budget for 2026 indicate that around ₦1.91 billion has been allocated for seven church-related projects, while around ₦6.14 billion has been proposed for 52 mosque-related projects.
He noted that while government has the discretion to support projects deemed beneficial to citizens, the pattern of allocations has generated questions among many Nigerians regarding the criteria used to arrive at the figures.
According to the NCA, budget decisions involving public resources should always reflect the diversity of the country and inspire confidence in all segments of society.
According to the association, these data have further increased the concerns of many Christians who believe that public institutions should constantly demonstrate impartiality in matters affecting the country’s different religious communities.
The government was asked to provide explanations
The NCA urged the federal government to explain the rationale behind the allocation model, saying such clarification would help address concerns and strengthen public confidence in the budget process.
Hayab said transparency in public spending remains one of the hallmarks of responsible governance, stressing that Nigerians deserve to understand the basis on which decisions involving public funds are made.
He noted that issues of fairness and equal treatment should never be ignored because they have direct implications for national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
“How long will Nigerians continue to read stories that expose the hypocrisy of our leaders?” Hayab asked.
“Partiality, lack of fairness and unequal treatment of citizens by government and political leaders are among the major factors responsible for division, mistrust, segregation and the absence of true unity and love among Nigerians.
“Our Constitution recognizes every Nigerian as equal before the law, while the teachings of all religions discourage unjust treatment of children, women, family members and other human beings. The government should therefore not be seen as promoting policies that suggest preferential treatment for one religious group over another.”
Equity should guide public policy
The association said it is not against government collaboration with religious organizations where such interventions serve the public interest.
However, he argued that any support given through public resources should be implemented in a way that reflects fairness, transparency and inclusiveness.
According to the NCA, governments at all levels should ensure that policies and programs strengthen national integration by giving every citizen a sense of belonging regardless of religious or ethnic background.
The association noted that Christians across the country have consistently demonstrated commitment to peaceful coexistence and national development, adding that the government’s actions should equally strengthen confidence in the country’s constitutional guarantees of equality.
He warned that the perceived imbalance in the implementation of public policies could undermine trust in government institutions if not adequately addressed through openness and accountability.
Commitment to national unity
The NCA stressed that its speech should not be interpreted as opposition to Islam or any other faith, but rather as a constructive call for fairness in the management of public affairs.
He said Nigeria’s religious diversity remains one of its greatest strengths and should be managed in a way that promotes mutual respect, justice and national unity.
The association also said that government policies should continue to project neutrality in religious matters, while ensuring that all citizens enjoy equal opportunities before the law.
“The NCA is challenging the federal government to explain these anomalies. The government should not institute a system that creates division among citizens or gives the impression that one religious community is more important than another. It should instead initiate programs and policies that unite Nigerians and strengthen our collective national identity,” the statement read.
The association therefore called for a review of the allocations in line with the constitutional principles of fairness, equity and equal treatment, expressing optimism that greater transparency in the implementation of public policies would deepen national trust and foster stronger unity among Nigerians.
He added that beyond the figures contained in the proposed budget, the primary objective of government should be to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of faith or background, feels equally represented in national development initiatives and enjoys equal protection under the Constitution. Such an approach, he noted, would further strengthen the bonds of national unity and strengthen public confidence in democratic governance.
