The Jigawa Government has approved a budget of over N1.4 billion for the construction, renovation of mosques, and fencing of graveyards across the state, as announced by Mr Sagir Musa, the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sport, and Culture in Dutse.
The funds were granted approval by the State Executive Council, and a portion will be utilized for constructing palaces of District Heads as well. This allocation falls under the 2023 Constituency Projects, according to the commissioner.
In a related context, during former president Muhammadu Buhari's administration, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development faced criticism on social media in 2021 after a leaked memo revealed the approval of N30 million for constructing a 'Friday' mosque using taxpayers' funds.
Alhaji Mohammed Nanono, the ministry's head at that time, faced backlash, with former lawmaker Senator Dino Melaye expressing his concern on Twitter. He questioned the government's priorities, especially regarding food security challenges, and asked, "What has the government got to do with churches or mosques?"