The Northern Christian Elders’ Forum (NOSCEF) has strongly rejected the proposed allocation of over ₦8 billion in the 2026 federal budget earmarked for the construction, renovation, and equipping of churches and mosques across the country, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redirect the funds toward security, economic recovery, and pressing national development.
​In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, NOSCEF Chairman Elder Sunday Oibe described the multi-billion naira provision in the 2026 Appropriation Bill as “ill-timed, unnecessary, and inconsistent with Nigeria’s pressing national priorities.”
​The forum emphasized that taxpayers’ money should not be deployed to finance places of worship at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with severe economic hardship, inflation, food insecurity, and persistent security challenges.
​”At a time when millions of Nigerians are battling insecurity, hunger, poverty, and unemployment, it is difficult to justify the use of scarce public resources for the renovation or construction of places of worship,” Oibe stated. “Religion is a personal matter and should remain the responsibility of its adherents. Churches and mosques are sustained by the faithful who worship in them, not by the government.”
​NOSCEF maintained that its objection goes beyond religious distribution or administrative fairness, touching on core constitutional principles. The group pointed out that government funding of religious institutions conflicts with Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which prohibits the adoption of any religion as a state religion.
​The elders urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to review the 2026 budget proposals and channel the funds into critical sectors like National security, Economic recovery infrastructure and Public Welfare that delivers direct public value.
NOSCEF concluded by appealing to President Tinubu to ensure that fiscal allocations remain transparent, accountable, and focused strictly on projects that improve the living standards and safety of all Nigerians.
