Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has introduced a new policy requiring preachers to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them.
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Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago explained that the measure is not intended to ban evangelism but to regulate preaching in the state. He cited Saudi Arabia’s system of religious oversight as an example, stressing that the aim is to ensure sermons do not encourage violence or undermine the government.
Under the new law, clerics are expected to present their prepared messages, particularly Friday sermons, for review by designated authorities. The governor said the initiative is backed by security agencies, including the DSS, Police, and NSCDC, to curb inflammatory preaching that could threaten peace.
The Director-General of the preaching regulation board, Umar Farooq, added that religious leaders will be required to obtain licenses to operate. He noted that a two-month compliance window has been given to clerics to align with the policy.
The decision has attracted mixed reactions across faith communities. Chief Imam Bashir Yankuzo acknowledged that preaching is a religious duty but agreed the state has a role in regulating it for security reasons.
However, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state said it was not officially aware of the law and is awaiting formal communication from the government. Similarly, Islamic scholar Uthman Siraja criticized the policy, describing it as a breach of religious freedom. He argued that instead of blanket regulation, only those who incite hatred or violence should be sanctioned.
