Former Senator Dino Melaye has criticised the use of public funds to support religious pilgrimages, questioning the justification for government spending on trips to Mecca and Jerusalem amid Nigeria’s development challenges.
Melaye argued that government resources should be prioritised for critical sectors such as roads, healthcare and infrastructure rather than religious activities.
He questioned the role of government in sponsoring religious pilgrimages, noting that churches, wealthy individuals and religious organisations could support people who wish to undertake such journeys.
“What is the business of government with religion?” Melaye asked.
He also argued that neither the Bible nor the Quran makes pilgrimage a requirement for entering heaven, questioning why billions of naira should be spent annually on religious journeys.
According to him, Nigerians continue to struggle with poor roads and inadequate healthcare facilities, making it necessary for government to carefully prioritise its spending.
Melaye stressed that while he considers himself a spiritual person, his relationship with God is personal and should not be used as a basis for diverting public funds away from development.
His comments have sparked renewed debate over government sponsorship of religious pilgrimages and whether public resources should be used to fund religious activities in a secular state.
Nation News
