The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Federal Government of favouring Christians over Muslims, citing the ongoing construction of a N25bn ecumenical chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement issued on Saturday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, criticised what he described as “preferential treatment” in the allocation of public resources and interventions across religious lines.
Akintola alleged that the government, in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had commenced the construction of the multi-billion naira chapel and pilgrimage centre without making a similar provision for Muslims.
He said, “The Federal Government should explain this preferential treatment. Nigerian Muslims deserve better than this. Tongues are wagging in mosques, and Muslim social media platforms are buzzing over this lopsided arrangement.”
The Islamic advocacy group also faulted the Federal Government’s disbursement of N2bn to victims of violence in Plateau State, alleging that victims in other states such as Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kwara had not received comparable support.
“Is it fair that N2bn is given to victims in one state without corresponding intervention for others affected by similar crises?” Akintola queried.
He further raised concerns over an alleged N1.2bn donation shared among the 19 northern states ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, describing the arrangement as inequitable when compared to the Plateau intervention.
MURIC also challenged the Federal Government to allocate land and funds for the construction of a national mosque of equal value to the airport chapel project.
“What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Muslims have the right to equitable treatment. The question is not if, but when,” Akintola added.
The group’s position comes amid ongoing debates over religious balance and inclusivity in government policies under the current administration.
Efforts to get official response from relevant government agencies were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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