The Nigerian government’s decision to set aside N8.05 billion for the construction and renovation of mosques and churches has ignited widespread controversy across the country.

Critics, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have condemned the allocation, arguing that it diverts attention from pressing socio-economic challenges. Atiku called on the government to disclose detailed plans for the projects, warning that the lack of transparency could fuel suspicions of misappropriation.

“Public funds should be directed toward education and healthcare,” said David Etim, echoing a sentiment shared by many critics. He argued that investments in these critical sectors would have a more substantial and lasting impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics (AERE) urged the government to adopt a broader focus on the nation’s fiscal challenges. While noting that the religious allocation represents a small fraction of the overall budget, the group highlighted the growing dangers of rising national debt.

Across the board, there is a growing consensus among critics that the government’s spending priorities should shift toward addressing critical social services rather than financing religious projects.