Outrage Over ₦8.05 Billion Allocation for Religious Projects
Nigerians have expressed widespread criticism over the Federal Government's allocation of ₦8.05 billion for church and mosque projects in the 2026 budget, questioning the priority of such expenditures amid the country's debt burden and pressing needs. The allocations were highlighted in an analysis by civic technology organisation Tracka, an initiative of BudgIT, which reviewed the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Breakdown of Allocations: ₦1.91 Billion for Churches, ₦6.14 Billion for Mosques
According to Tracka's analysis, the budget includes ₦1.91 billion for seven church-related projects and ₦6.14 billion for 52 mosque-related projects spread across various ministries, departments, and agencies. Specific projects include ₦1 billion for the provision and distribution of musical and cultural equipment to churches in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, ₦1 billion for alternative solar power supply to mosques in Zamfara North Senatorial District, and ₦850 million for the construction of churches and mosques as well as support for religious leaders in Gombe State. Other projects involve renovation of central mosques, construction of community mosques and chapels, installation of solar power systems, and rehabilitation of religious facilities in several states.
Public Backlash: Misplaced Priorities Amid Economic Hardship
The revelations triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that government resources should be directed toward healthcare, education, research, infrastructure, and job creation. One X user wrote, "Tourist sites, parks and zoo across Nigeria aren't well maintained to attract revenue. Libraries have vanished. Laboratories are poorly managed. Researchers are under-funded. But the government has allocated ₦1.91 billion for projects tied to seven churches, while ₦6.14 billion was earmarked for 52 mosque projects. Misplaced priorities." Another user questioned, "When did building churches and mosques become the responsibilities of the federal government?" A different commenter added, "When has it become the responsibility of the government to renovate churches and mosques when there are pressing issues on ground in Nigeria? From gifting judges houses to religious bodies, whereas doctors are also lacking houses and rural areas are begging for hospitals."
Constituency Projects and Unanswered Questions
The allocations have also reignited conversations about constituency projects being inserted into budgets of ministries and agencies whose statutory mandates are unrelated to religious infrastructure. As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government had not publicly responded to the criticism surrounding the allocations.
