N8bn religious budget allocation sparks criticism from Aisha Yesufu and Rufai Oseni over government spending on churches and mosques
Human rights advocate Aisha Yesufu and Arise TV Morning Show host Rufai Oseni have criticised the reported N8.05 billion allocation for church and mosque-related projects in Nigeria’s 2026 budget, questioning the government’s role in funding religious initiatives.
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The controversy followed an analysis by public accountability organisation Tracka, which reported that N1.91 billion was earmarked for church-related projects, while N6.14 billion was allocated to mosque-related projects in the 2026 budget.
The religious budget allocation has triggered wider debate over whether public funds should be directed towards religious infrastructure or prioritised for sectors such as education, healthcare and poverty reduction.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had earlier criticised the allocation, arguing that government resources should focus on addressing economic hardship affecting many Nigerians.
Reacting to the development, Aisha Yesufu questioned the justification for including religious projects in the national budget.
“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?” Yesufu wrote on X.
She argued that funds directed towards such projects could instead support education and other essential public services.
“Monies that should be used to fund education. We are just not a serious country,” she added.
Rufai Oseni also criticised the reported allocations, alleging that some lawmakers used budget provisions for personal or political interests.
“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?” Oseni said.
The broadcaster accused lawmakers of failing to properly prioritise public spending, describing them as supportive of government decisions without sufficient scrutiny.
The debate comes amid continued discussions over budget transparency, constituency projects and the appropriate role of government in supporting religious and community initiatives.
Supporters of such allocations often argue that religious institutions provide social services and community support, while critics maintain that public funds should focus primarily on government responsibilities such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.
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The Federal Government has not issued a detailed response to the criticisms at the time of publication regarding the reported allocations.
