#22.15bn: You’re Budgeting For The Renovation Of A Palace In Nasarawa Through An Agency In Ibadan -Ojo

During an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, July 23, 2026, political analyst Jide Ojo criticized provisions in the 2026 budget that allocate billions of naira for the renovation of palaces and support for religious projects, describing the spending as inappropriate at a time when critical sectors require greater attention.

Ojo’s comments followed the release of a report by Tracka, an initiative of the BudgIT Foundation, which revealed that ₦22.15 billion was budgeted for the renovation and furnishing of 106 palaces across Nigeria, while ₦8 billion was earmarked for projects related to churches and mosques.

According to him, “You are putting money for renovation of a palace in Nasarawa in an agency of government that is located in Ibadan. So this is very appalling to say the least and should be discontinued. Likewise the sponsorship of pilgrimages. This has been the new normal from state government to federal government.”

Ojo argued that such budgetary provisions reflect misplaced priorities, urging the government to channel public resources toward sectors such as healthcare, education and infrastructure. He maintained that allocating funds for palace renovations and pilgrimage sponsorship through government agencies does not represent prudent management of public finances, especially in the face of Nigeria’s economic challenges…....