Kalu Says Bende Church Outreach Allocation Is N780m, Not N1bn

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu has said the allocation tied to church outreach in Bende is N780m, not N1bn.

Kalu’s clarification followed public criticism over the budget item. The reports said the allocation was linked to a youth reorientation and outreach programme, including church instruments.

He said the figure being circulated was inaccurate and that the budget entry should be read as N780m. The issue has drawn attention because of wider scrutiny of religious and constituency-related allocations in the 2026 budget.

Punch reported the clarification and the N780m figure.

Punch reported that Kalu pushed back after criticism of the church-related budget item spread online. He said the amount tied to his office was N780m.

The clarification comes amid broader scrutiny of religious and constituency-linked allocations in the 2026 budget.

Source: Punch