2026 Budget: Debate Grows Over N8.05bn Allocation to Religious Projects

Tracka’s review of the 2026 federal budget found N8.05 billion allocated to mosque and church projects. The allocation has raised concerns about fiscal priorities, transparency and whether public money should fund religious institutions. The Deputy Speaker’s office says the money is for youth reorientation and anti-drug-abuse programmes delivered through faith-based groups, rather than direct religious financing. It also says some budget descriptions were technical errors. Critics argue that any youth intervention should be clearly budgeted through the relevant public agencies. They contend that the funds could better support healthcare, schools, clean water, power infrastructure, job creation and other essential services amid widespread poverty and underemployment. With limited fiscal space and rising debt, the debate is whether faith-based allocations represent legitimate social interventions or political patronage at the expense of urgent public needs.

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