Airport Chapel Controversy: MURIC Accuses FG Of Marginalising Muslims

Airport Chapel Controversy: MURIC Accuses FG Of Marginalising Muslims

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Federal Government of favouring Christians over Muslims following the commencement of a proposed N25 billion ecumenical chapel and pilgrimage centre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic advocacy group described the development as unfair and capable of deepening religious tension in the country.

According to MURIC, the project — reportedly being executed in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) — has generated widespread concern among Muslims nationwide.

Akintola said the Federal Government must explain what he termed “preferential treatment” towards Christians, insisting that Nigerian Muslims deserve equal recognition in national projects and policies.

“The Federal Government and CAN have flagged off the construction of a N25 billion ecumenical chapel and pilgrimage centre located at the Abuja airport,” he said.

“FG should explain this preferential treatment. Nigerian Muslims deserve better than this. Tongues are wagging in the mosques while Muslim social media platforms are buzzing with reactions over this lopsided arrangement.”

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The group also criticised the Federal Government’s recent approval of N2 billion relief funds for victims of violence in Plateau State, questioning why similar support had not been publicly announced for victims of insecurity in states such as Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kwara.

“The sum of N2 billion was given to victims of violence in Plateau State without a corresponding donation to victims of the same violence in Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kwara and other affected states. Is this fair?” Akintola queried.

MURIC further alleged that about N1.2 billion was recently distributed among the 19 northern states ahead of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration, arguing that the amount was insignificant when compared to the Plateau intervention.

“How can only one state receive N2 billion while all the 19 states in the North are asked to share N1.2 billion?” he asked.

The Islamic organisation also demanded equal treatment for Muslims, urging the Federal Government to allocate land and provide funding for the construction of a national mosque similar to the airport chapel project.

“What is good for the goose is equally good for the gander. It is our right, and our right is our right. The question is not if, but when — and the sooner the better,” Akintola added.

The controversy followed the official groundbreaking ceremony for the airport chapel project held recently in Abuja.

The event was attended by top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; and CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

Government officials said the proposed chapel and pilgrimage centre would serve travellers, airport workers and Christian pilgrims by providing a dedicated space for worship, counselling and spiritual reflection.

The project is also part of activities marking CAN’s 50th anniversary celebration and is expected to be completed in 2026.

Minister Festus Keyamo reportedly defended the initiative, noting that a mosque already exists within the airport premises and that approving land for a Christian worship centre reflects Nigeria’s multi-religious identity.

However, MURIC insisted that the Federal Government must ensure fairness and religious balance in all national decisions to avoid creating feelings of exclusion among Muslims.

The Federal Government has yet to officially respond to the latest allegations by the Islamic group.

Airport Chapel Controversy: MURIC Accuses FG Of Marginalising Muslims