Mahdi Shehu accuses Nigerian govt of bias over N25bn airport chapel project
Federal Government Accused of Bias Over Chapel Project at Abuja Airport
Mahdi Shehu, a public affairs commentator, has criticized the Federal Government for alleged bias following the launch of a N25 billion ecumenical chapel project at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
In a post on X on Wednesday night, Shehu responded to reports of the Federal Government’s collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to initiate the construction of the facility. The project was officially kicked off on April 26, 2026, by Secretary to the Federal Government George Akume, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, along with other senior officials.
Akume described the project as a “confluence of faith and progress,” aimed at addressing passengers’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Archbishop Okoh emphasized the necessity for travelers to have a dedicated space for reflection before boarding flights.
Shehu noted the involvement of high-ranking government officials as evidence of strong backing for the project at the highest levels. “For this project to be launched by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Aviation Minister indicates that the President is fully aware and has given his consent,” he stated. He also pointed out the allocation of land for the chapel, suggesting that prominent government figures likely played a role in its approval.
Furthermore, he raised concerns about whether equal opportunities would be extended to Muslim travelers for a mosque site at the airport. “When will equal financial contributions be provided to Muslim faithful as was done for CAN?” Shehu questioned. He also asked whether government officials would demonstrate similar support for a mosque project, including attending a groundbreaking ceremony.
Shehu continued to express his concerns by questioning the equal treatment in such initiatives, arguing that the project could create a perception of partiality. He concluded that without balanced support, the project risks alienating a significant portion of the populace.
This development has sparked discussions about the implications of public funding for religious projects and the potential need for equitable treatment across different faiths in Nigeria.
