Niger State Orders Preachers to Submit Sermons for Approval, Governor Bago Defends Policy
Story: written by Myra Chinonso September 15,2025
Minna, Nigeria – Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has defended his administration’s directive requiring religious preachers to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them.
Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago clarified that the policy is not a ban on evangelism but a move to curb hate speech and protect public peace.
“I didn’t ban evangelism. For anyone going to deliver a sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done,” the governor said.
“We cannot allow clerics to go out and preach things that are anti-people or anti-government and think it is normal.”
According to the governor, security agencies including the DSS, police, NSCDC, and the military will collaborate with the state government to monitor compliance with the new rules.
Earlier, the Director-General of the State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, explained that all preachers in Niger State must obtain a licence within two months. To qualify, applicants will be required to fill out a form and appear before a screening panel before being cleared to preach.
Mixed Reactions Trail Sermon Approval Policy
The directive has sparked debate among religious leaders.
The Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, argued that government has no right to dictate who preaches but acknowledged that action may be necessary if sermons incite violence or threaten peace.
“Preaching is a command, and people do it for the sake of God,” he said.
“But if someone uses abusive words or poses a security threat, government can step in to maintain peace.”
On the Christian side, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Raphael Opawoye, said the group was not officially aware of the new rules and would only respond when formally notified.
The policy is expected to continue generating debate across the state as stakeholders weigh concerns over freedom of worship against efforts to maintain peace and security.
