Niger Governor Defends Controversial Policy Requiring Sermons to Be Approved Before Preaching

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has staunchly defended his administration’s contentious policy mandating religious preachers to submit their sermons for government approval before delivering them to congregations. This move, the governor explained on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, is aimed at preventing sermons that could incite unrest or threaten government authority—not a ban on evangelism.

“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. He emphasized that the policy targets messages deemed anti-people or anti-government, underscoring the need to avoid unchecked preaching that could foster insecurity. “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 acknowledged fears of indoctrination and confirmed that the policy is in that direction, saying, “We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying.” He further noted collaboration among security agencies—the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military—in enforcing these measures.

Earlier this month, Niger State Religious Affairs Director General Umar Farooq confirmed that all preachers must obtain licences to preach within two months. He explained that prospective preachers must complete application forms and undergo screening by a panel before receiving official clearance.

The regulation has provoked divided reactions among religious leaders. Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, stated that while preaching is a divine command and the government cannot outrightly dictate who may preach, there is room for regulation where certain individuals incite security threats through abusive language.

Raphael Opawoye, Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, said the organization had yet to receive official communication about the policy and promised to respond once formally notified. Conversely, Islamic scholar Uthman Siraja strongly opposed the law, describing it as an infringement on religious freedom and suggesting that the government should penalize only those who incite public disorder rather than impose a blanket ban on unlicensed preaching.

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Constitutional experts observe that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees religious freedom but permits regulation where activities threaten public order. This unprecedented oversight of sermon content in Niger State has sparked debate about balancing security imperatives with fundamental freedoms. The new policy’s licensing deadline means non-compliant clerics risk legal consequences if they preach without official approval.

As Niger State grapples with recurring religious and ethnic tensions, this move reflects an effort by authorities to curb incendiary messages, though it raises critical questions about government reach into religious practices.