Northern Christians Protest ‘Unequal’ Church, Mosque Funding in 2026 Budget

• The Northern Christian Association has asked the Federal Government to explain what it described as an imbalance in the allocation of over ₦8 billion for church and mosque projects in the 2026 budget.

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has called on the Federal Government to explain what it described as an imbalance in the allocation of more than ₦8 billion for church and mosque projects in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

In a statement issued on Monday, the association said while it was not opposed to government support for religious projects, such funding must reflect the constitutional principles of fairness, transparency and equal treatment.

According to the NCA, reports indicate that about ₦1.91 billion was allocated to seven church-related projects, while approximately ₦6.14 billion was earmarked for 52 mosque-related projects in the proposed budget.

Chairman of the association, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the disparity had heightened concerns among many Christians over what he described as a pattern of unequal treatment.

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

He added that partiality and unequal treatment by government officials continue to fuel division, distrust and weaken 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,” he said.

Hayab stressed that the association’s position should not be interpreted as opposition to Islam or Christianity, but rather as a call for equity in the distribution of public resources.

He argued that if public funds are allocated to religious projects, the process should be transparent and balanced, without creating the impression that one religious group enjoys preferential treatment.

“Government should not establish a system that creates division among citizens or gives the impression that one religious community is more important than another,” the statement added.

The association urged the Federal Government to review the allocations in line with constitutional principles of fairness and equality, insisting that budget decisions should promote national unity and strengthen public confidence in government.