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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Northern Christian Elders’ Forum (NOSCEF) has rejected the reported allocation of more than N8 billion in the proposed 2026 federal budget for the construction, renovation and equipping of churches and mosques, urging President Bola Tinubu to redirect the funds to security, economic recovery and other critical national needs.
In a statement by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, the forum described the reported budgetary provision as ill-timed, unnecessary and inconsistent with Nigeria’s pressing national priorities.
According to NOSCEF, the reported allocation comes at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment.
“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.
The group argued that places of worship should be funded by their members rather than the 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 the government. Taxpayers’ money should be devoted to projects that directly improve the lives, safety and welfare of all Nigerians,” it added.
NOSCEF said its objection was not based on whether one religion benefited more than another, but on what it described as misplaced government’s priorities and constitutional concerns.
“The issue goes beyond whether one faith benefits more than another. Rather, it raises fundamental questions about the government’s priorities and constitutional principles,” the forum stated.
It further argued that government funding of religious buildings appeared inconsistent with Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits the adoption of any religion as a state religion.
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The forum 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 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.
Highlighting the country’s security challenges, NOSCEF said many communities continued to suffer attacks by bandits, terrorists and other criminal groups, resulting in deaths, abductions and widespread displacement.
“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 added: “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 appealed to President Tinubu to review the reported budgetary allocations and channel the funds towards strengthening national security, supporting victims of violence, improving healthcare and education, expanding infrastructure, tackling hunger and creating employment opportunities.
The forum also cautioned political leaders against policies capable of generating religious tension.
“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,” the statement said.
Describing its position as sincere counsel, NOSCEF said it was motivated by the desire to see a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria, expressing hope that the President would give the appeal “thoughtful consideration in the overall interest of our nation.”
