BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise security and other critical national needs over reported plans to spend more than N8 billion on the construction, renovation and equipping of churches and mosques in the proposed 2026 federal budget.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, the forum described the reported allocation as ill-timed and unnecessary, saying public resources should be directed towards tackling the country’s security and economic challenges.
According to the forum, millions of Nigerians are battling insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment, making it difficult to justify spending 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”.
NOSCEF maintained that churches and mosques should be funded by their members rather than by government.
“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 government. Taxpayers’ money should be devoted to projects that directly improve the lives, safety and welfare of all Nigerians”.
The forum said its objection was not based on whether one religion received more government funding than another but on what it described as misplaced priorities and constitutional concerns.
“The issue goes beyond whether one faith benefits more than another. Rather, it raises fundamental questions about government priorities and constitutional principles,” it said.
NOSCEF argued that government funding of religious buildings appears inconsistent with Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits the adoption of any religion as a state religion.
It also questioned what provisions would be made for adherents of African traditional religion and other faiths if public funds were used to support churches and mosques.
“Our position is not against Christianity or Islam. We believe 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 forum said the country continues to face grave security challenges, with communities across different parts of the country suffering attacks by bandits, terrorists and other criminal groups, resulting in killings, abductions and displacement.
“What Nigerians are asking from President Bola Ahmed 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,” it said.
“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 government.”
NOSCEF appealed to President Tinubu to review the reported budgetary provision and redirect the funds towards strengthening national security, supporting victims of violence, improving healthcare and education, expanding infrastructure, addressing hunger and creating employment opportunities.
The forum also cautioned political leaders against policies capable of fuelling religious tension.
Describing its appeal as sincere counsel, NOSCEF said it was motivated by the desire to see a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria and expressed hope that the President would give the matter thoughtful consideration in the overall interest of the nation.
