Prof. Adesanya-Davies Criticises ₦8.05bn Allocation for Churches, Mosques in 2026 Budget

Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies has criticised the Federal Government’s allocation of ₦8.05 billion in the 2026 budget for the construction, renovation and equipping of churches and mosques, describing the expenditure as misplaced at a time Nigeria faces pressing economic and social challenges.

In a statement titled “Re: Outrage as FG Allocates ₦8.05bn for Churches, Mosques in 2026 Budget,” the professor questioned the rationale behind spending public funds on religious projects while critical sectors such as education, healthcare, roads, security and electricity continue to face funding gaps.

She also raised concerns over government sponsorship of religious activities, including Hajj, Christian pilgrimages and Muslim mass weddings, arguing that such expenditures should not take precedence over investments that directly improve citizens’ welfare and stimulate economic growth.

“Why do we use the nation’s funds to pay for Hajj, sponsor pilgrimages, sponsor Muslim mass weddings, and spend billions on things that don’t matter or improve our economy; then we turn around and borrow and complain that there’s no money for education, hospitals, schools, roads, security and electricity? If we’re truly serious about development, shouldn’t our priorities be different?” she asked.

The criticism follows reports by public accountability organisation Tracka that the 2026 budget contains ₦1.91 billion for seven church-related projects and ₦6.14 billion for 52 mosque-related projects, bringing the total allocation to ₦8.05 billion.

According to the report, the projects include the construction and renovation of worship centres, solar power installations, boreholes, procurement of musical equipment for churches, carpets for mosques, Islamiyya schools, imam houses and other religious facilities.

Adesanya-Davies expressed concern that some of the projects were assigned to government agencies whose mandates are unrelated to religious affairs, a development she said raises questions about transparency and accountability.

She noted that the allocations have generated widespread public debate as Nigerians continue to grapple with high inflation, rising public debt, inadequate funding for healthcare and education, poor infrastructure, and a widening fiscal deficit.

Echoing concerns raised by policy analysts, she argued that public funds—particularly those financed through borrowing—should be channelled toward projects that deliver measurable public benefits rather than religious infrastructure.

Adesanya-Davies, a professor, author and policy analyst, called on the government to review its spending priorities and focus resources on sectors capable of driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.