Okorie Urges National Assembly to Probe ₦22.15 Billion Palace and Worship Centre Budget Allocation

Abuja – Public affairs analyst Chekwas Okorie has called on Nigeria's National Assembly to scrutinize a ₦22.15 billion budget allocation designated for the construction and renovation of traditional rulers' palaces and places of worship in the 2026 fiscal year. Okorie, the founding National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), stated in Abuja that the allocation requires further clarification.

Okorie expressed concern over the reported insertion of these funds within the budgets of various agencies and parastatals, deeming it an issue that demands thorough examination. "The information that the allocation was inserted in the budgets of agencies and parastatals points to the need for transparency and accountability in the budget process," he said.

“

The information that the allocation was inserted in the budgets of agencies and parastatals points to the need for transparency and accountability in the budget process.

The analyst criticized the National Assembly for approving the allocation without adequate scrutiny, particularly given Nigeria's current economic hardships. He emphasized that the welfare and administration of traditional rulers are primarily the responsibility of state and local governments, not the federal government. "It is common knowledge that matters concerning traditional rulers’ recognition, remuneration and welfare fall under the purview of the sub-national governments, including local governments," Okorie stated.

He further urged a comprehensive review to ascertain if similar allocations had been included in past budgets without sufficient public oversight. Okorie called upon relevant oversight bodies, anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations, and the media to monitor the implementation of the 2026 budget, ensuring transparency and preventing the misappropriation of public funds.

“

It is common knowledge that matters concerning traditional rulers’ recognition, remuneration and welfare fall under the purview of the sub-national governments, including local governments.