The Jigawa Government has authorized the allocation of over N1.4 billion for the renovation, construction of mosques, and fencing of graveyards throughout the state. Mr. Sagir Musa, the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports, and Culture in Dutse, made this announcement on Friday, stating that the State Executive Council approved the funds. Additionally, part of the budget will go towards the construction of District Heads’ palaces. The allocation of N1.4 billion is designated for 2023 Constituency Projects. This decision comes in the wake of social media backlash against the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2021, when a leaked memo revealed the approval of N30 million for the construction of a mosque using taxpayers’ funds during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Alhaji Mohammed Nanono headed the ministry under President Buhari’s tenure.
A former lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye who reacted to the memo tweeted, “What! Despite all the challenges facing food security, building a mosque is the Federal Ministry of Agriculture’s priority! To pray for rain or what? How did we get here for Heaven sake? What has the government got to do with churches or mosques?”