Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has announced that all religious preachers in the state must submit their sermons for review and approval before delivering them to congregations.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago explained that the move is not a ban on evangelism but a measure to prevent religious messages that could incite hatred or threaten public peace.
“I didn’t ban evangelism. For everyone going to sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done. We cannot say because you are a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and think it’s normal,” the governor said.
He further noted that security agencies, including the DSS, police, NSCDC, and the military, are working with the state government to monitor religious activities and ensure sermons do not endanger public safety.
Earlier, the state’s Director General of Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, disclosed that anyone intending to preach in Niger must obtain a licence within two months. Applicants are required to fill out forms and appear before a screening panel before being granted approval to preach.
The policy has sparked mixed reactions among religious leaders. Bashir Yankuzo, Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, argued that preaching is a divine duty that should not be dictated by government. However, he admitted that intervention may be necessary when clerics use abusive language or pose security risks.
Similarly, Raphael Opawoye, secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger, said the association was not officially informed about the policy but would respond once formally notified.
