2026 Budget: Analyst knocks Deputy Speaker, Kalu for N1bn allocation to churches
Nigerian Deputy Speaker Faces Criticism Over Controversial Budget Allocation
Kalu Aja, a financial analyst, has criticized Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, regarding a contentious allocation of N1 billion for churches in the 2026 budget affecting his constituency.
The budget, which has drawn scrutiny from the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, includes a provision of N1 billion earmarked for religious institutions, specifically churches and mosques.
In defense of the allocation, Kalu clarified that the funds, reduced to N750 million after accounting for Value Added Tax (VAT), are intended for 130 churches. Each church is set to receive N6 million dedicated to youth reorientation and social support programs.
Aja expressed his discontent in a statement on social media platform X, arguing that the funds would have been better utilized for schools, hospitals, and electrification initiatives instead of being directed toward churches.
He further contended that the Deputy Speaker demonstrates a lack of a developmental perspective, criticizing the allocation as a wasteful expenditure on equipment for churches rather than addressing the pressing needs of educational and healthcare institutions.
Aja noted that a budget of N1 billion could effectively provide electricity to schools and hospitals within the local government area.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the N68.32 trillion 2026 Appropriation Act into law in April 2026, though the budget has since faced numerous criticisms over various allocations.
