Nigeria must stop misplaced budgetary allocations

Nigeria's proposed 2026 budget includes a controversial allocation of about N8.05 billion for faith-based organizations, earmarked for mosque and church projects. Civic organization Tracka, an initiative of BudgIT, brought this allocation to light, sparking significant debate about the nation's fiscal priorities.

The N6.14 billion designated for 52 mosque projects and N1.91 billion for seven church projects raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and adherence to the Nigerian Constitution. Section 10 of the constitution explicitly states that the government shall not adopt any religion as a state religion. Critics argue that appropriating public funds for religious organizations, even indirectly, risks breaching this constitutional provision, especially during a period of severe economic hardship for ordinary citizens.

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The government has no business inserting expenditure for religious organisations into a national budget.

This allocation follows a pattern of government support for religious activities, including a N90 billion budget for Hajj sponsorship shortly after President Bola Tinubu took office in 2023, which also drew widespread criticism. Furthermore, religious organizations benefit from tax exemptions, adding to the perception that public funds are being diverted to patronage rather than addressing critical needs.

While the office of the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, defended the appropriation, stating it supports youth social intervention programs implemented through faith-based organizations and that the actual allocation is N780 million, the larger sum remains a point of contention. This spending comes at a time when vital sectors such as healthcare, social welfare, power, and internal security have reportedly suffered from poor cash releases under the 2025 budget. The allocation also follows recent expenditures on renovating the Vice-President’s residence, purchasing vehicles for the First Lady's office, and acquiring new presidential jets and armored SUVs.

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The actual allocation is N780 mil