Bauchi State Government Approves Monthly Stipends for Imams and Pastors
The Bauchi State Government has approved the payment of monthly stipends to Imams and Pastors across the state, marking a new policy initiative aimed at supporting religious leaders and strengthening peaceful coexistence among communities.
The approval was granted by the Bauchi State Economic Council during a meeting chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed at the Government House in Bauchi. Key officials from the state’s finance, revenue and administrative sectors were present at the meeting where the decision was reached.
Briefing journalists after the council session, the Head of the Bauchi State Civil Service, Barrister Mohammed Sani Umar, confirmed that the stipends will be paid to Imams serving in Juma’at mosques as well as Pastors and clerics from different Christian denominations across the state. He explained that the policy was carefully deliberated upon before receiving the governor’s approval.
According to Umar, the payment of allowances will be implemented without discrimination, cutting across all Islamic sects and Christian denominations in Bauchi State. He added that the government is working on assessing the financial and economic implications of the policy to ensure that it is implemented in a sustainable manner.
State officials said the initiative is intended to recognise the important role religious leaders play in promoting peace, moral guidance and community stability, especially at a time when social harmony remains a critical issue in many parts of the country.
The Governor’s Chief Economic Adviser, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Haruna, also disclosed that the council reviewed the state’s salary administration system as part of broader financial reforms. He noted that a recent audit of the payroll led to the removal of over 3,000 ghost workers, resulting in savings of more than ₦4 billion for the state. According to him, these reforms have improved cash flow management and reduced complaints related to salary payments.
While the policy has been welcomed in some quarters, it has also attracted criticism from opposition groups. The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) cautioned the government against what it described as the politicisation of religion, arguing that public funds should be prioritised for education, healthcare and infrastructure development.
Despite the criticisms, the state government has maintained that the stipends are part of efforts to promote unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that religious leaders remain key stakeholders in community development and conflict resolution.
The Bauchi State Government said further details regarding the structure, amount and commencement date of the stipends will be communicated to the public as implementation plans are finalised.
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