The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has expressed concerns over what it described as recurring irregularities in Nigeria’s budget implementation process, urging the Federal Government and oversight institutions to strengthen transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline.
Speaking at the organisation’s State of the Nation press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the country was facing growing governance and accountability challenges that require urgent institutional reforms.
He said the organisation was concerned about reports of alleged budget irregularities and called on the relevant anti-corruption and oversight agencies to carry out independent investigations into all allegations relating to public expenditure.
CHRICED also urged the Presidency to take appropriate administrative measures that would ensure any ongoing investigations are conducted transparently and without undue influence. The organisation argued that public confidence in governance depends on the willingness of authorities to uphold accountability and due process.
According to CHRICED, an analysis by civic technology organisation BudgIT’s Tracka platform indicated that the 2026 Appropriation Act contains allocations totalling ₦8.05 billion for the construction and furnishing of churches and mosques.
The organisation said the reported allocations include ₦6.14 billion for 52 mosque-related projects and ₦1.91 billion for seven church-related projects.
CHRICED also referenced reports indicating that ₦780 million was allocated for church musical instruments through the Office of the Deputy Speaker, questioning the appropriateness of such expenditure amid prevailing economic challenges.
The organisation argued that with many Nigerians facing rising living costs, unemployment and limited access to healthcare and education, public spending should prioritise critical social and economic needs.
It further urged strict adherence to constitutional provisions relating to the use of public resources and called for greater scrutiny of budget insertions.
CHRICED also referred to reports surrounding the ₦1.3 billion Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council allocation, describing the matter as one that deserves thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities.
The organisation called on agencies including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Budget Office and the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation to investigate all reported cases of budget irregularities and make their findings public.
Appeal to Government and Institutions
The civil society organisation urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthen fiscal discipline, improve public financial management and ensure prudent utilisation of public funds.
It also appealed to the National Assembly to reinforce transparency in the budget process and exercise its constitutional oversight responsibilities effectively.
In addition, CHRICED called on security agencies to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the release of victims in the Oriire abduction case and urged the National Sports Commission to provide details on the utilisation of the reported ₦6.44 billion FIFA allocation.
The organisation further encouraged political leaders to uphold democratic principles, respect the rule of law and promote peaceful political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CHRICED also appealed to civil society organisations, the media, faith-based groups, professional associations and development partners to continue supporting initiatives that promote transparency, citizen participation and constitutional governance.
The organisation maintained that Nigeria’s democratic institutions would be strengthened through openness, accountability, prudent management of public resources and strict adherence to constitutional principles.
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