Probe N22.15bn palace, worship centre allocation in 2026 budget, Okorie urges NASS

By John Alechenu, Abuja

Public affairs analyst and founding National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, has called on the National Assembly to investigate the ₦22.15 billion allocation for the construction and renovation of palaces and places of worship in the 2026 budget.

Okorie made the call on Thursday in Abuja while reacting to the controversy surrounding the budget provision, which he described as requiring further clarification.

He said the investigation would help establish the purpose of the allocation and determine the process through which the funds were included in the budget.

According to him, the reported inclusion of the allocation in the budgets of agencies and parastatals raised questions that required proper scrutiny.

“The information that the allocation was inserted in the budgets of agencies and parastatals points to the need for transparency and accountability in the budget process,” he said.

Okorie criticised the National Assembly for approving the allocation without what he described as adequate scrutiny, particularly amid current economic challenges facing Nigerians.

He argued that the welfare and administration of traditional rulers fall primarily within the responsibilities of state and local governments rather than the Federal Government.

“It is common knowledge that matters concerning traditional rulers’ recognition, remuneration and welfare fall under the purview of the sub-national governments, including local governments,” he said.

The APGA chieftain called for a broader review to determine whether similar allocations had been included in previous budgets without sufficient public attention.

He urged relevant oversight institutions, anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations and the media to monitor the implementation of the 2026 budget to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of public funds.

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