Redirect ₦8bn Church, Mosque Renovation Funds to Security, NOSCEF Tells Tinubu

The Northern Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the reported allocation of more than ₦8 billion in the proposed 2026 Federal Government budget for the construction, renovation and equipping of churches and mosques.

The forum argued that the funds would be better deployed to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges and other pressing national needs, including hunger, poverty, healthcare, education, infrastructure and unemployment.

In a statement issued by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, NOSCEF described the reported budgetary provision as ill-timed and inconsistent with what it considers the country's most urgent priorities.

The forum said millions of Nigerians were facing severe economic hardship and insecurity, making it difficult to justify the use of public funds on places of worship.

“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,” the statement said.

NOSCEF maintained that churches and mosques should primarily be funded and maintained by their respective worshippers rather than through government allocations.

“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. Taxpayers money should be devoted to projects that directly improve the lives, safety and welfare of all Nigerians,” the forum said.

The group stressed that its objection was not based on whether Christians or Muslims would benefit more from the reported allocation, but on what it described as the broader question of government priorities and the constitutional principle of religious neutrality.

“The issue goes beyond whether one faith benefits more than another. Rather, it raises fundamental questions about the government’s priorities and constitutional principles,” it stated.

The forum also argued that government funding of religious buildings could raise constitutional questions, citing Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that the government of the federation or a state shall not adopt any religion as a state religion.

NOSCEF further questioned how government-funded religious projects would accommodate adherents of African traditional religions and other faiths if public resources were used to support churches and mosques.

“Our position is not against Christianity or Islam. We believe the government should maintain neutrality in matters of religion and concentrate on its constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and property, promoting justice and providing infrastructure and economic opportunities for all citizens,” the statement read.

The forum's strongest concern, however, centred on the country's persistent security challenges.

It said communities across several parts of the country continue to face attacks by bandits, terrorists and other criminal groups, with violence resulting in deaths, kidnappings and the displacement of residents.

NOSCEF urged the Federal Government to focus its resources on restoring security and enabling displaced citizens to return to their homes and livelihoods.

“What Nigerians are asking from President Bola Tinubu’s administration is the restoration of peace and security across the country. We need our communities back. We need our farmlands back. We need our sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, schoolchildren and teachers who remain in captivity to be rescued and reunited with their families,” the forum said.

It called for a comprehensive security response across all regions, arguing that insecurity should remain a central priority of government spending.

“We need lasting security in the North-West, North-Central, North-East, South-East, South-South and South-West. These should be the priorities that command the attention and resources of the government,” NOSCEF added.

The Northern Christian elders appealed to President Tinubu to review the reported allocations and consider redirecting the funds towards strengthening national security, supporting victims of violence, improving healthcare and education, expanding infrastructure, tackling hunger and creating employment opportunities.

The group also cautioned political leaders against policies that could deepen religious tensions or create perceptions of preferential treatment for particular faith groups.

“As Christian elders, we respectfully urge Mr. President to reconsider this proposal. The government should allow churches, mosques and other religious bodies to maintain their places of worship through the voluntary contributions of their members, while public resources are invested in programmes that benefit every Nigerian irrespective of faith,” it said.

NOSCEF described its intervention as an appeal made in the national interest, stressing that its position was motivated by the desire for a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.

The forum expressed hope that the President would give its concerns “thoughtful consideration” as the Federal Government continues with preparations for the 2026 budget.