N8.05bn Mosque, Church Budget Sparks Outrage Over Tinubu Government’s Spending Priorities

The Federal Government’s decision to allocate N8.05 billion in the 2026 budget for the construction and renovation of churches and mosques has triggered widespread criticism, with opposition figures, civil society organisations and public policy advocates questioning the spending priority amid Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

According to reports, about N6.14 billion was earmarked for mosque-related projects, while N1.91 billion was allocated to church projects across the country.

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, described the allocation as inappropriate at a time millions of Nigerians face poverty and economic hardship.

Through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that while religion remains important, public funds allocated to religious projects must meet the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

He questioned the absence of detailed information identifying beneficiary churches, mosques, project locations and implementing agencies, warning that religion should never become a cover for opaque public spending.

Atiku urged the government to immediately publish the identities of all beneficiary institutions and the legal basis for the allocations, insisting that Nigerians deserve full disclosure on how public resources are being utilised.

Project Lead of the Calabar and Gulf of Guinea Municipal and Trade Centre, David Etim, also criticised the spending, describing it as a misplaced priority.

He argued that limited public funds should instead be invested in education, healthcare, infrastructure and programmes capable of lifting millions out of poverty.

Etim maintained that improving hospitals, schools and social welfare would have a greater impact on Nigerians than financing religious structures.

The Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics similarly condemned the allocations but noted that the amount represented only a tiny fraction of the proposed N68.32 trillion national budget.

The organisation said the country’s larger fiscal challenge remained its dependence on borrowing, with nearly half of the budget expected to be financed through debt.

It also criticised the inclusion of religious projects in the budgets of ministries whose mandates have no direct connection with religious affairs, arguing that such practices weaken transparency and accountability.

However, some political observers alleged that the allocations could be linked to preparations for the 2027 general elections, claiming they may be aimed at attracting support from religious communities.

The Federal Government has yet to respond to the growing criticism surrounding the controversial budget provisions.