Reactions have continued to trail reports that the Federal Government earmarked about N8.05 billion in the 2026 budget for church- and mosque-related projects.
DAILY POST reports that an analysis by public accountability organisation Tracka indicated that about N1.91 billion was allocated to church-related projects, while N6.14 billion was set aside for mosque-related projects in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
The revelations have triggered widespread criticism from politicians and public commentators, who questioned the rationale behind the allocations amid the country’s economic challenges.
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, had on Tuesday criticised the President Bola Tinubu administration over the allocations, questioning why such a huge sum was budgeted for religious projects while many Nigerians continue to struggle with poverty.
Reacting to the development, Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, chieftain Aisha Yesufu questioned why government funds meant for critical sectors such as education were being allocated to religious institutions.
“What is the business of the State with religion? Why is the Nigerian government funding churches and mosques? Why should churches and mosques be in budget?
“Monies that should be used to fund education. We are just not a serious country,” she wrote on her X handle.
Also reacting, Arise Television Morning Show host Rufai Oseni alleged that lawmakers inserted the projects into the budget for personal gain.
“Everything about these lawmakers is fraud. Tax law, fraud, budget fraud. Why is it that the church project went to Bende?
“Who is from there? Why is it that the Mosque budget went to Zaria? Who is from Zaria? Rubber stamp lawmakers,” he said.
