MURIC alleges religious bias in airport chapel project, relief distribution

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Federal Government of favouritism over the planned construction of a N25 billion ecumenical chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

In a statement issued on Friday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, said the project reportedly being undertaken alongside the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN,raises concerns about equitable treatment of religious groups in the country.

The group also criticised what it described as uneven distribution of relief funds, citing the reported allocation of N2 billion to victims of violence in Plateau State without similar interventions in other affected states, including Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kwara.

MURIC further questioned reports that N1.2 billion was shared among the 19 northern states ahead of the Eid al-Kabir celebration, describing the figure as disproportionate when compared to the Plateau intervention.

“How can only one state be given N2 billion while all the 19 states in the North are asked to share N1.2 billion? But is it right to treat Muslims like second class citizens, animal farm?” the statement read.

The organisation also called on the federal government to provide clarity on plans for Muslim religious infrastructure, urging authorities to ensure parity.

“So we must ask federal government to tell Nigerians when land of equal size will be given to the Muslims to build their grand national mosque. Of course federal government must not forget the N25 billion cooling off somewhere in the Central Bank which will accompany the land allocation for Muslims,” the group added.

MURIC urged the government to uphold fairness and inclusivity in its policies, warning that perceived imbalance could heighten religious sensitivities.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the federal government or CAN regarding the allegations.