The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has expressed deep concern over what it described as worsening fiscal recklessness, weakening democratic institutions, and increasing attacks on opposition political parties, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is facing a serious test.
Addressing a State of the Nation press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, accused the Federal Government of undermining accountability through questionable budget allocations, rising public debt, and disregard for constitutional principles.
He said an analysis by Tracka, a civic technology platform of BudgIT, revealed that the 2026 Appropriation Act allocated N8.05 billion for the construction and furnishing of churches and mosques through Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) whose mandates do not cover religious infrastructure.
According to him, the allocations include N6.14 billion for 52 mosque-related projects and N1.91 billion for seven church projects, while the Office of the Deputy Speaker earmarked N780 million for church musical instruments.
Zikirullahi questioned the justification for such expenditures at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with hunger, unemployment, poor healthcare, and inadequate education.
He also faulted other federal expenditures, including N500 million for an international communications campaign on allegations of religious persecution, a US$9 million contract awarded to a United States lobbying firm to improve Nigeria’s image, and N6.44 billion allocated for FIFA World Cup qualifying activities despite Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the tournament.
The CHRICED boss described as “heartbreaking” the alleged diversion of funds allocated to the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education.
He said billions of naira from the commission’s N22.8 billion budget were allegedly redirected to road construction and other unrelated projects in Ogun, Katsina, and Ekiti states instead of addressing the education crisis affecting millions of out-of-school children.
Among the projects cited were N1.4 billion for roads in Abeokuta, N1.05 billion for roads in Ipokia Ward 2, N1.4 billion for roads in Imeko and Idogo, N1.05 billion for internal roads in Katsina, N700 million for solar streetlights, and another N700 million for women and youth empowerment tools.
He described the allocations as a betrayal of vulnerable children and warned that neglecting education could further expose young Nigerians to recruitment by criminal and insurgent groups.
On Nigeria’s fiscal outlook, Zikirullahi expressed concern over the country’s public debt, which he said has risen to N159.28 trillion, despite the removal of fuel subsidy, increased taxation, and government claims of improved revenue generation.
He questioned why many MDAs continue to complain of poor budget releases while borrowing continues to increase and annual budgets are repeatedly extended beyond their intended fiscal years.
CHRICED also criticised the ongoing constitutional amendment process, alleging that the National Assembly has prioritised the executive-backed State Police Bill while sidelining other reform proposals.
The organisation argued that state police cannot effectively function without addressing broader structural challenges, including poor funding of the Nigeria Police Force, dependence of states on federal allocations, proliferation of arms, and the use of political militias.
It further called for wider public consultation and a national referendum before any constitutional amendments are adopted.
On institutional accountability, Zikirullahi referenced the alleged N1.3 billion Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council scandal, saying conflicting accounts by government agencies reflected weak oversight and poor coordination.
He called for the suspension of the President’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to allow independent investigations by anti-corruption agencies, insisting that no public official should be shielded from accountability.
The group also demanded clarification over the circumstances surrounding the Oriire School abduction, noting that testimony from one of the victims contradicted official claims that security forces rescued the children.
It urged authorities to investigate allegations that billions of naira were released to secure the children’s freedom.
CHRICED further called for a transparent investigation into the death of 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila, who reportedly died at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
The organisation urged the minister to step aside while investigations are conducted, stressing that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
Expressing concern over Nigeria’s political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections, CHRICED alleged that opposition political parties have increasingly faced intimidation, disruption of meetings, arbitrary arrests, denial of access to public venues, and targeted violence.
It warned that shrinking political space poses a serious threat to democratic governance and called on security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and uphold the rule of law.
The organisation urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen fiscal discipline, address questionable budget allocations, rising debt, and weak accountability mechanisms.
It also called on the National Assembly to restore integrity to the budget process, while urging the Budget Office, Auditor-General, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate all allegations of budget irregularities.
CHRICED further appealed to civil society organisations, the media, faith-based institutions, professional bodies, and development partners to intensify efforts toward promoting transparency, constitutional compliance, and democratic accountability.
“Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Our democracy cannot survive on secrecy, impunity, and disregard for constitutional norms. It can only thrive when transparency replaces opacity, accountability replaces impunity, public resources serve the people, and political competition is protected,” Zikirullahi said.
