Niger Governor Bago Insists Preachers Must Submit Sermons for Approval
Published on September 2025
Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has defended his administration’s new regulation requiring preachers to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago explained that the policy was aimed at ensuring religious messages do not incite unrest or promote anti-government sentiments.
“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. 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 you think it’s normal,” — Governor Bago said.
When asked if the move was connected to concerns about indoctrination, Bago replied:
“It’s in that direction. We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying. We are working together with security agencies; the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military.”
Policy and Enforcement
The policy, which became public earlier this month, has since stirred nationwide debate.
Director General of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, confirmed that anyone who wishes to preach in the state must now obtain a licence, stressing that clerics have two months to comply.
“It is true, the State Government has banned preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months. All they need to do is to visit our office, get, and fill out the form. After which, they will have to face a panel that will screen them before they can start preaching,” — Umar Farooq.
Mixed Reactions
The move has triggered mixed reactions among religious leaders:
- Bashir Yankuzo, Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, acknowledged the need for oversight but warned against government overreach.
- Raphael Opawoye, Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, said CAN had not been officially briefed and would respond when formally informed.
- Uthman Siraja, an Islamic scholar, condemned the policy outright, describing it as a violation of religious liberty.
As the debate intensifies, the balance between security concerns and religious freedom continues to dominate conversations in Niger State and across Nigeria.