Preachers must Submit Sermons for Approval in Niger - Governor Bago

The Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, has defended a new law requiring religious preachers to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them.

Speaking on TVC's Politics on Sunday, 14th September, 2025, Governor Bago said the measure was not a ban on evangelism but a way to check inciting messages that could threaten peace and security.

"I didn't ban evangelism. For anybody going to sermon on a Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it's normal.

“Even in Saudi Arabia, it’s done like that 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,” he said

He explained that the initiative was aimed at preventing indoctrination and would be enforced in collaboration with security agencies including the Department of State Services, Police, Civil Defence, and the military.

Earlier this month, the Director General of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, said the government had mandated all preachers in the state to obtain licences within two months.

According to him, clerics would need to fill forms, face a screening panel, and be certified before they could preach publicly.

The development has however sparked controversy among Nigerians, especially amongst Christian faithfuls.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger State chapter, clarified that the directive does not affect Christians and said it would not take legal action against the government.

In a statement, the media aide to the CAN chairman, Daniel Atori, said the order was misunderstood, noting that the Bureau for Religious Affairs merely introduced the Da’awah Registration Form and Certification Process to guide clerics and curb misleading preaching.

Similarly, the Niger State Bureau for Religious Affairs denied imposing a blanket ban on preaching.

Its media aide, Haruna Mustapha, explained that clerics are only required to obtain certification and undergo a basic evaluation to ensure their messages align with peace and religious tolerance.

“The objective of the exercise is to sensitise the sector, promote religious harmony, unity, and ensure proper religious propagation throughout the state.

“Furthermore, the committee has been mandated to issue guidelines to all applicants, and any violation of the guidelines may lead to withdrawal of the certificate granted,” Mustapha said.