Political analyst Jide Ojo has criticized provisions in the 2026 budget allocating billions of naira for palace renovations and religious projects, describing the spending as misplaced amid Nigeria’s pressing economic and developmental needs.
Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Ojo reacted to a report by Tracka, an initiative of the BudgIT Foundation, which stated that ₦22.15 billion was budgeted for the renovation and furnishing of 106 palaces nationwide, while ₦8 billion was allocated to projects related to churches and mosques.
“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 said.
He urged the government to redirect public funds to critical sectors such as healthcare, education and infrastructure, arguing that financing palace renovations and pilgrimage sponsorship through government agencies does not reflect prudent management of public resources, particularly amid the country’s economic challenges.
