Northern Christians Question ₦1.9bn Church Allocation in ₦8bn Religious Budget

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has called on the Federal Government to explain what it described as a significant disparity in the allocation of funds for religious projects in the 2026 Appropriation Bill. The association said the budget earmarks about ₦8.05 billion for church and mosque-related projects, with ₦1.91 billion allocated to seven church projects and ₦6.14 billion set aside for 52 mosque projects.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, the NCA stressed that it was not opposed to government support for religious initiatives but insisted that such allocations should reflect the constitutional principles of fairness, equity and transparency. The group argued that the disparity reinforces concerns about unequal treatment and selective implementation of government policies.

Hayab warned that perceived favouritism in the distribution of public resources could deepen division, distrust and religious tension in the country. He urged the government to ensure that budgetary decisions promote national unity rather than creating the impression that one religious community enjoys greater recognition than another.

The association called on the Federal Government to publicly clarify the basis for the allocations and review them where necessary to ensure equal treatment of all Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation. It maintained that balanced and transparent funding of religious projects would strengthen public confidence in the government's commitment to justice and national cohesion.