Nigeria Allocates ₦8.05 Billion for Religious Projects

The Nigerian federal government has earmarked ₦8.05 billion in the 2026 budget for the construction, renovation, and equipping of places of worship, which has sparked public outrage. This allocation, revealed by Tracka, a public accountability organization under BudgIT, includes ₦1.91 billion for seven church projects and ₦6.14 billion for 52 mosque projects.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, attempted to clarify a reported ₦1 billion allocation for musical instruments for churches in the Bende Federal Constituency, which he represents. His Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, stated that the actual amount was ₦780 million after VAT and other deductions, intended to support over 130 churches with each receiving between ₦5 million and ₦6 million.

This intervention aims to enhance churches' capacity to engage youth through character development and community outreach programs. The situation raises questions about the appropriateness of government funding for religious institutions in a constitutionally secular state.