Nigerians are expressing outrage following revelations that the Federal Government’s 2026 Appropriation Act contains ₦8.05 billion earmarked for church and mosque projects, despite the country grappling with a record ₦31.45 trillion budget deficit.
Public accountability organisation Tracka, a BudgIT initiative, disclosed that ₦1.91 billion was allocated for seven church-related projects and ₦6.14 billion for 52 mosque-related projects.
These allocations were reportedly buried inside ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) whose mandates have little or nothing to do with religion, such as agriculture and energy.
Examples of Allocations
Tracka’s analysis highlighted several controversial line items:
₦1 billion for the provision and distribution of musical and cultural equipment to churches in Bende LGA, Abia State.
₦1 billion for alternative solar power supply to mosques in Zamfara North Senatorial District.
₦850 million for construction of churches and mosques and support for religious leaders in Gombe State.
Critics argue that such allocations blur the lines of governance mandates.
They raise questions about transparency, accountability, and the prioritization of scarce resources.
Public Reaction
The revelations have sparked widespread anger across Nigeria.
Citizens and civil society groups question why billions are being directed toward religious projects at a time when the country faces severe economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and poor infrastructure.
Nigerians are demanding clarity on who the beneficiaries of these projects are and why religious spending is hidden under unrelated ministries.
Many see the allocations as symptomatic of deeper problems in Nigeria’s budgeting process, where constituency projects and off-mandate spending often escape scrutiny.
On social media, hashtags such as #BudgetScandal and #AccountForEveryNaira trended.
Users are calling for accountability and accusing lawmakers of using religion as a cover for patronage spending.
Fiscal Context
Nigeria’s 2026 federal budget stands at ₦68.3 trillion, with a deficit of ₦31.45 trillion.
Analysts warn that allocating billions to religious projects undermines fiscal responsibility and diverts funds from critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“This is a country struggling to finance basic services, yet billions are being tucked away for churches and mosques.
“It raises serious concerns about governance priorities,” one commentator noted.
Economists argue that such allocations reflect a broader culture of misplaced priorities, where political expediency often trumps developmental needs.
Calls for Transparency
Tracka and BudgIT have long campaigned for transparency in Nigeria’s budgeting process.
They urge the government to publish clear, accessible documents detailing allocations and beneficiaries.
While the full PDF of Tracka’s 2026 budget analysis was not immediately available, the figures have been widely reported by news outlets and other media platforms.
Civil society groups are now calling for the National Assembly and relevant oversight bodies to investigate the allocations and ensure accountability.
Advocacy organisations warn that failure to act could further erode public trust in government institutions.
Broader Implications
The controversy underscores ongoing debates about the role of religion in governance and the misuse of public funds.
Nigeria, a multi-religious nation, has often struggled with balancing faith and state responsibilities.
Critics argue that embedding religious projects in federal budgets risks politicizing faith and eroding trust in government institutions.
Some analysts warn that such allocations could deepen sectarian tensions, as unequal or opaque distribution of funds to religious institutions may be perceived as favoritism.
Others stress that the government must separate faith from fiscal policy to maintain credibility and fairness.
Future Outlook
As outrage grows, the ₦8.05 billion allocation for churches and mosques has become a flashpoint in Nigeria’s broader struggle for fiscal discipline and transparency.
With the country facing mounting economic pressures, many Nigerians insist that every naira must be accounted for and directed toward projects that genuinely serve public interest.
The controversy is likely to remain in the spotlight until the government provides clear answers on the beneficiaries and the rationale behind the allocations.
The government also needs to explain whether such spending aligns with Nigeria’s constitutional principles and urgent developmental needs.
