The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has alleged that the federal government is showing preferential treatment in the construction of a ₦25 billion ecumenical chapel at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. In a statement released on Friday, MURIC Executive Director Ishaq Akintola said the project, which is reportedly being carried out in partnership with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), raises questions about equal treatment of religious groups in Nigeria.
According to MURIC, the allocation of relief funds further illustrates the perceived imbalance. The organisation highlighted a recent disbursement of ₦2 billion to victims of violence in Plateau State, noting that similar assistance has not been reported for other affected states such as Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kwara. In addition, MURIC pointed to a claim that ₦1.2 billion was shared among the 19 northern states ahead of the Eid al‑Kabir holiday. The group described the amount as “disproportionate” compared with the Plateau intervention, questioning why a single state received twice the amount allocated for the entire north.
“The allocation of ₦2 billion to one state while the 19 northern states share ₦1.2 billion raises concerns about fairness,” the statement read. “Is it right to treat Muslims as second‑class citizens?” Akintola added.
MURIC called on the federal government to provide clarity on plans for Muslim religious infrastructure, urging authorities to ensure parity with the ecumenical chapel project. The statement requested that the government specify when land of comparable size will be allocated for the construction of a national mosque and asked that the ₦25 billion earmarked for the airport chapel not be retained in the Central Bank without accompanying land provision for Muslim worshippers.
The organisation warned that perceived inequities could exacerbate religious sensitivities and called for policies that uphold fairness and inclusivity. As of the time of writing, neither the federal government nor CAN has responded to MURIC’s allegations.
The controversy comes amid ongoing tension over resource distribution and religious representation in Nigeria’s multi‑faith society. Observers note that government transparency on funding and infrastructure projects will be crucial in maintaining communal harmony and preventing further grievances from religious groups.
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