The Niger State government has stirred controversy with a new policy requiring religious preachers to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them publicly.
Governor Umar Bago confirmed the measure explaining that the initiative is designed to prevent harmful or inciting messages.
“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,” Bago said.
“We cannot say because you are a cleric, you will go out and preach messages that are anti-people or anti-government and consider it normal.”
The governor added that security agencies—including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Civil Defence, and the military—would work with the state government to monitor sermons.
Earlier this month, the Director-General of the Niger State Religious Affairs Department, Umar Farooq, announced that preachers must also obtain licences before they can operate. According to him, clerics are expected to apply within two months by filling out forms, facing a screening panel, and securing certification before being allowed to preach.
The policy has sparked mixed reactions. The Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Raphael Opawoye, said the body was unaware of any such directive.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria is not aware of the ban. We shall come up with a statement when we are officially informed,” he said.
Similarly, Islamic scholar Uthman Siraja criticised the move, calling it an infringement on religious freedom.
“The ban on preaching is an infringement on freedom of worship and religion. The better approach is for the government to sanction any preacher who incites the public during sermons,” Siraja argued.
