Nigerians are divided over the 2026 budget after a public accountability organization revealed that the federal government has earmarked N8.05 billion for church and mosque projects across the country. The allocation has sparked intense debate, with citizens questioning the rationale behind funding religious infrastructure at a time when the nation faces pressing economic challenges.
Tracka, a public accountability group, released a breakdown showing that N1.91 billion was set aside for seven church projects, while N6.14 billion was allocated for fifty-two mosque projects. These funds were buried within various ministries and agencies that have no statutory responsibility for religious affairs, according to the report.
The review identified specific projects, including a N1 billion allocation for musical and cultural equipment for churches in Bende, Abia State, and another N1 billion for solar power installations at mosques in Zamfara State. Additionally, the budget included N8 billion for the general construction, renovation, and support of religious facilities nationwide.
Another significant portion of the budget, totaling N22.15 billion, was designated for the renovation and furnishing of 106 palaces across the nation. The placement of these religious allocations within secular government departments has raised serious questions about transparency and the proper use of public funds.
Pastor-General of the Rhema Christian Church & Towers in Ogun State, Taiwo Akinola, expressed concern over the expenditure, noting that the government must consider the ethical and biblical principles governing public finance. He argued that public resources belong to the people and should be appropriated strictly in accordance with the law and public interest.
Akinola emphasized that evangelism is the divine mandate of the Church, not the State. He stated that the proclamation of the Gospel is a sacred responsibility to be undertaken through the voluntary generosity of believers rather than government patronage. He also pointed out that history shows the Church often flourishes most when it depends on God and His people.
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Bishop James Akinadewo of the Lagos Motailatu Church of God (C&S) agreed, asserting that the government’s role is to provide security and amenities, not to fund evangelistic instruments. He warned the Church to be wary of politicians in cassocks, calling the budgetary support for religious instruments “politics taken too far.”
Pastor and scholar Olufemi Popoola, based in The Netherlands, noted that while there may be justification for government support in countries with state religions, it is unjustifiable in Nigeria, a constitutionally secular nation. He argued that using state money for evangelistic drives violates the separation of Church and State and could be considered illegal under the law.
Many Nigerians struggling with the high cost of living view the controversy differently. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the allocations as inappropriate, challenging the government to publish the names of all beneficiary religious institutions and the legal basis for the spending. He believes religion should never shield public expenditure from scrutiny.
David Etim, Project Lead at the Calabar and Gulf of Guinea Municipal and Trade Centre, pointed out that Nigeria has over 140 million people living in multidimensional poverty. He argued that the government must prioritize building hospitals and schools over places of worship, suggesting that God would appreciate investments in human lives more than religious infrastructure. “Places of worship already exist in virtually every community, but many hospitals cannot provide basic healthcare,” he added.
Consequently, critics argue that the budget highlights a disconnect between national priorities and the needs of the populace. The massive spending on religious infrastructure stands in stark contrast to the basic amenities that remain inaccessible to millions. Spain warns of a housing shortfall in certain regions, illustrating how infrastructure deficits can plague developed nations; Nigeria’s situation presents a different but equally critical set of challenges regarding public resource distribution.
The Rhema Church leader warned that politicians often seek to co-opt religious institutions for political gain. He stated that accepting state funds for evangelism undermines the spiritual independence of the Church. Akinola suggested that true faith should not require government sponsorship to grow or survive.