Cleric Questions Airport Chapel Project, Demands Religious Parity

Cleric Questions Airport Chapel Project, Demands Religious Parity

 

A wave of debate has followed a viral video in which an Islamic cleric, Alaramma Ismail Maiduguri, criticised the recent groundbreaking of an ecumenical chapel and pilgrimage centre at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, raising concerns over what he described as perceived religious imbalance.

In the video, the cleric alleged that the project — which he speculated could cost as much as N25 billion — reflects unequal treatment of religious groups. While there has been no widely confirmed official figure for the project’s cost, the claim has nonetheless sparked conversation across social and religious circles.

Referencing reports that senior government officials, including George Akume and Festus Keyamo, were present at the ceremony, and that land allocation in the Federal Capital Territory falls under the supervision of Nyesom Wike, the cleric argued that the development raises questions about fairness in public infrastructure tied to religion.

He framed his position around equity, insisting that if such a facility is being supported — whether directly or indirectly — then comparable provision should be made for Muslims. He called for the allocation of land and resources for a mosque at the airport, maintaining that equal representation is essential in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria.

The cleric also referenced broader concerns about inclusivity under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, suggesting that the development could reinforce existing anxieties around the Muslim-Muslim ticket — a political arrangement that has remained a subject of public discourse since the 2023 elections.

While acknowledging that Christians have the right to places of worship, he argued that fairness demands parallel opportunities for all faiths, particularly in shared national spaces such as airports.

The remarks also extended to broader national issues, with the cleric questioning what he perceives as uneven attention to victims of violence in different parts of the country. These claims, however, remain part of ongoing public debate and are not independently verified within the context of his statement.

Observers note that such reactions, while rooted in personal and group perspectives, highlight enduring sensitivities around religion, governance, and public resource allocation in Nigeria. They also underscore the need for transparency in government-backed or government-associated projects to prevent speculation and build public trust.

As discussions continue, the issue reflects a familiar national conversation: how to balance diversity, ensure fairness, and manage perception in a multi-religious society.

Cleric Questions Airport Chapel Project, Demands Religious Parity