Preachers in Niger State must submit sermons for screening, says Governor Bago

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago has announced a new rule requiring all preachers to submit their sermons for government review before delivery. The directive aims to monitor religious messages and prevent content that could threaten peace.

During an appearance on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Governor Bago clarified aspects of the new regulation aimed at overseeing preaching activities across the state. Rather than banning evangelism, the governor explained, the government seeks to ensure that sermons promote unity rather than incite disharmony.

This is not a ban on preaching. Everyone attending sermons on Fridays must present their religious texts for examination. This process is similar to what is practiced even in Saudi Arabia. We want to prevent clerics from spreading messages that are harmful to people or unfavorable to the government – Governor Bago

This recent development, revealed earlier this month, has caused diverse reactions from religious and community leaders. Umar Farooq, Director General of Niger State Religious Affairs, emphasized that any aspiring preacher must first obtain a licence within two months. He added that clerics are required to visit their office, complete a form, and undergo screening by a panel before being authorised to preach.

Meanwhile , the Chief Imam of Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, stressed that preaching is a divine duty not paid by the government. He stated that people do it for spiritual fulfillment, and that the government should not control who preaches. However, he stated that where sermons threaten security by using inflammatory language, regulation is justified to maintain peace.

On the same topic, Raphael Opawoye, secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger, said the group had no official information on a preaching prohibition but would issue a formal response once informed.

Governor Bago assured that security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Police, NSCDC, and military, are collaborating to enforce this measure aimed at safeguarding societal harmony.