Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has criticised government spending on religious activities.
Melaye said governments at both the federal and state levels should not use public funds to sponsor religious programmes.
He made the remarks during an appearance on the KAA Truths podcast.
‘Government Has No Business With Religion’
Melaye argued that religion is a personal matter.
According to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, public funds should instead be directed towards projects that benefit the wider population.
He specifically mentioned roads and hospitals as areas that require greater government attention.
“Government has no business sponsoring religious activities, including marriages,” Melaye said.
He questioned why governments should allocate large sums to religious programmes when many public facilities remain in poor condition.
Melaye Questions Pilgrimage Spending
The former lawmaker also criticised government sponsorship of religious pilgrimages.
He pointed to public funding for pilgrimages to Mecca and Jerusalem.
Melaye argued that wealthy individuals and religious organisations could support people who wish to undertake such journeys.
He also questioned whether public money should be used for religious obligations.
“There is no chapter in the Quran or the Bible that says if you don’t go to Mecca or Israel for pilgrimage, you will not make heaven,” he said.
Calls for Spending Priorities
Melaye said governments should focus on essential infrastructure.
He cited the condition of roads and hospitals across Nigeria as evidence of areas requiring urgent investment.
He also criticised what he described as poor prioritisation of public spending.
The ADC chieftain maintained that government resources should be used to address pressing social and economic challenges rather than religious activities.
His comments are likely to renew debate over the use of public funds for religious programmes in Nigeria.
