A group of Christian scholars under the aegis of Thinking Hat has strongly condemned the Nigerian government’s financial support for religious pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Mecca, describing it as an unjustifiable expense in the face of widespread economic hardship.
The group’s chairman, Professor Prince Ebitimi Weigha, stated that pilgrimage is a personal spiritual journey with no economic benefit to the nation. He argued that public funds allocated to sponsoring religious trips should instead be channeled into developmental projects that directly impact Nigerians.
Professor Kunle Macaulay, a co-founder of the group, criticized the practice, calling it a financial waste that only benefits the wealthy. “Supporting rich people on unbiblical tourism while millions struggle to afford three meals a day is unjust,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Dayo Adeyoju urged both federal and state governments to shift their focus toward improving the quality of life for Nigerians. “A responsible government should prioritize affordable education, accessible healthcare, and discourage medical tourism by ensuring local health facilities meet international standards,” he said.
The scholars, who convened in Lagos for a recent meeting, emphasized that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and no group should be given preferential treatment. They called on political leaders to focus on nation-building rather than the 2027 elections, stressing that addressing the country’s economic and social challenges should be the government’s top priority.