The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has publicly faulted the Federal Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for failing to offer free train rides to Muslim faithful during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, alleging a clear case of religious favoritism.
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, MURIC’s Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the omission as “unacceptable” and “discriminatory,” pointing to the free train services granted to Christians during the 2024 Christmas season as a contrasting example.
“The Federal Government provided free train rides from December 21, 2024, to January 4, 2025, to ease movement for Christians during the Yuletide. Yet, no such courtesy was extended to Muslims during one of Islam’s most significant festivals,” Akintola stated.
Although the NRC announced additional trains to accommodate Eid travelers, the services were not free, a move MURIC claims reflects deep-seated religious imbalance in public policy and resource allocation.
Broader Implications for Religious Equity
MURIC’s statement also challenges the notion of inclusivity under a Muslim-led administration, expressing concern that Muslims continue to face marginalization even when their representatives hold key positions in government.
“The symbolism of this exclusion goes beyond transport; it raises critical questions about fairness, national unity, and the sincerity of those in leadership,” the group said.
This development has sparked conversations on social media, with citizens from both religious communities calling for a review of how national benefits are distributed, especially during culturally significant periods.
Call for Equity and Reforms
MURIC is demanding a formal apology from the government and a review of future holiday policies to reflect Nigeria’s pluralistic society. The organization insists that equitable treatment of all religious groups is essential to strengthening national cohesion.
