Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has defended a proposed law requiring religious preachers to submit their sermons for approval, stating that the measure is aimed at curbing hate speech, incitement, and threats to public peace—not restricting religious freedom.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday on September 14, 2025, Governor Bago clarified the provisions of the controversial bill, which has sparked heated debate across the state.
“I didn’t ban evangelism,” the governor said. “Everyone attending Friday sermons should bring their scriptures for review. It’s normal—even in Saudi Arabia, this is done. “You can’t be given the opportunity to be a cleric and then preach anti-people or anti-government messages and think it’s acceptable.”
He added that the government’s intention is to ensure that religious messages promote peace, unity, and social stability.
Governor Bago also revealed that security agencies—including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military—will work with the state government to monitor compliance with the new regulation.
The proposed law includes a licensing process for all individuals who wish to preach in the state. According to the Director General of Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, preachers will be required to obtain a licence within two months.
“All they need to do is visit our office, fill out a form, and face a screening panel before they can begin preaching,” Farooq said.
He also confirmed that unlicensed preaching would be prohibited once the regulation takes effect.
Mixed Reactions from Religious Leaders
The policy has generated significant controversy, with religious leaders offering mixed reactions.
Bashir Yankuzo, Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, acknowledged the government’s role in maintaining security but warned against overreach.
“Preaching is a divine command. People preach to earn God’s pleasure, not because the government pays them. However, if anyone uses abusive language or poses a security threat, then the government has the right to intervene to maintain peace,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said it had not yet received official notification about the regulation.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria is not aware of the ban. We will issue a formal response when we are officially informed,” said CAN Secretary, Raphael Opawoye.
On the other hand, some religious scholars have condemned the move outright. Islamic scholar Uthman Siraja described the directive as a violation of constitutional rights.
“This is an infringement on freedom of worship and religion. Rather than impose a blanket regulation, the government should deal with individual cases of incitement or hate speech,” Siraja argued.
The law, which became public earlier in the month, reflects broader efforts by the Niger State government to address rising insecurity and the misuse of religious platforms for political or extremist messaging. However, critics warn that the measure could be misused to stifle dissent or religious expression.
As public debate continues, observers are calling for a more transparent and inclusive approach, including consultations with religious bodies and civil society, to ensure that the regulation achieves its stated goals without infringing on fundamental rights.
