The Bauchi State Government has concluded plans to begin payment of monthly stipends to Imams and Pastors across the state, joining a growing number of states that provide financial support to religious leaders.
The decision was disclosed on Friday by the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Yahuza Haruna, and the Head of the State Civil Service, Mohammed Sani Umar, while briefing State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed.
Umar said the State Economic Council has approved the payment of stipends to Imams of Juma’at mosques and Pastors in churches across Bauchi State, stressing that the policy cuts across all Islamic sects and Christian denominations.
According to him, “The issue of allowances for Imams and Pastors is irrespective of sects and denominations. The final step is to determine the economic and financial implications for effective implementation.”
The Head of Service also revealed that the council deliberated on the commencement of salary payments to newly created Emirs and District Heads in the state, adding that the government has made adequate cash-flow provisions to sustain them.
The initiative places Bauchi among states that have adopted similar measures to support religious institutions and leaders.
In 2025, the Sokoto State Government introduced allowances for Imams, their deputies and mu’azzins, as well as monthly financial support for Juma’at mosques.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the initiative was designed to strengthen religious teachings and support Qur’anic education for children.
Similarly, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal earlier this year approved a salary upgrade for over 11,300 Imams and other Islamic clerics.
He disclosed that the state spends about ₦81.8 million monthly on salaries for Imams, clerics and mosque cleaners, noting that the increment took effect in January.
The governor also urged religious leaders to pray for divine intervention to tackle insecurity in the state.
In Lagos State, the government in 2018 pledged to place religious leaders on salaries as part of efforts to curb corruption, while encouraging clerics to promote integrity and positive values among their followers.
