By Ayomide Otitoju
The Niger State Government has unveiled a new policy requiring religious preachers to obtain prior approval for sermons and secure licences before delivering them publicly.
Governor Umar Bago, speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, defended the measure as a safeguard against sermons deemed harmful to society or critical of government authorities.
“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 have been given the opportunity to be a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and think it’s normal.”
The governor disclosed that the Department of State Services (DSS), police, Civil Defence Corps, and the military will collaborate with the state to monitor religious messages.
Earlier this month, Umar Farooq, head of the Niger State Religious Affairs Board, confirmed the licensing requirement, giving preachers two months to comply. Applicants, he explained, must fill out forms and appear before a screening panel before being permitted to preach.
The policy has stirred debate across the state. Supporters argue it will curb hate speech and extremism, while critics warn it could infringe on constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression.
The move mirrors regulatory practices in countries such as Saudi Arabia, where religious preaching is strictly monitored by the state.
