Fresh findings don reveal say no fewer than 78 Federal Government agencies don earmark close to N400 billion for inside 2026 budget to construct and rehabilitate mosques, traditional rulers’ palaces, community halls, village market squares and civic centres for different parts of the country.
This latest development don spark serious controversy as many Nigerians dey wonder why government go commit this kind massive money to projects wey plenty people no see as immediate priority, while hospitals dey struggle, schools dey lack funds, electricity never stable, insecurity still dey bite and roads for many places don turn nightmare.
Investigations show say large chunk of the money no even dey targeted at major infrastructure or economic development projects. Instead, billions of naira don enter procurement and distribution of grains, motorcycles, Keke Marwa, empowerment schemes, mini stadiums, museums and several other community projects.
Wetin come make the matter more controversial be say some government agencies wey get completely different mandates still receive allocations for projects like markets, palaces, mosques and community centres. Some agencies wey suppose dey focus on research, productivity improvement and mathematical development allegedly get budget provisions for projects wey many observers say no get any direct connection with their statutory responsibilities.
The revelation don attract sharp criticism from economists and public policy experts. According to dem, government suppose dey channel scarce national resources into projects wey fit stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve living conditions for ordinary Nigerians. Dem warn say scattering billions of naira across countless small projects fit weaken government’s ability to make meaningful investments in sectors wey fit deliver long-term benefits.
Experts also raise alarm over the increasing trend of inserting projects into agency budgets even when such projects no relate to the agencies’ primary functions. Dem argue say this kind practice dey weaken transparency and accountability, while making am difficult for citizens to know whether public funds dey truly achieve the purpose wey dem intend am for.
The controversy dey happen at a time when Nigeria still never completely execute previous budgets. Despite say 2026 don already advance, some components of the 2025 budget still dey under implementation after lawmakers approve extensions to allow ongoing projects continue.
Economic analysts further warn say the projections and assumptions behind the 2026 budget already dey generate concerns, especially as government still dey battle revenue shortfalls and rising debt obligations. Dem insist say unless government enforce stronger budget discipline and focus spending on projects wey directly impact citizens, public confidence in the budgeting process fit continue to fall.