Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has defended his administration’s decision requiring preachers to submit their sermons for approval before they are delivered in public.
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Speaking during a television programme on Sunday, Bago said the policy was not a ban on evangelism, but a measure to curb messages that could incite unrest or turn people against the government. He compared the system to practices in other countries, insisting that clerics must also be held accountable for what they preach.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
The governor explained that the directive was partly influenced by concerns over indoctrination. According to him, the state is working with security agencies, including the DSS, police, and military, to monitor and regulate preaching.
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LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
Earlier in the month, the Director-General of Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, announced that all preachers must obtain a licence before they can operate. He said applicants will be screened by a panel after filling out required forms, with a two-month window given for compliance.
The directive has sparked mixed reactions across the state. While the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger said it was not formally aware of any ban and would issue a response once notified, some Islamic scholars have strongly criticised the move.
One scholar described the policy as an infringement on freedom of religion, arguing that the government should instead punish only those who use sermons to incite the public.
The debate continues as residents and religious groups await clarity on how the government intends to enforce the new rules.
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